Re: Merchant Navy Badge stamp on crew list
Funny enough when we first went to sea Ivan, every one on board over 24 years of age would more than likely have been at sea during at least part of the war years. Yet I can never relate to seeing any seamen wearing the badges. Maybe like most people they had a natural feeling of not wanting to draw attention to themselves. Although most seamen were never shy, so maybe just wanted to put it in the past. JS
Re: Merchant Navy Badge stamp on crew list
Hi John.
My first Bosun was a prisoner of war for three years, I found out when the only time he spoke of it was going up the river to Bremerhaven, and the loudspeakers were playing the British Anthem, he must have been a pain to them as he spent a week in a hole in the ground.
Des
Re: Merchant Navy Badge stamp on crew list
Remember that loudspeaker and music and ships name being called and welcome to Bremerhaven. Wonder if they still do. Chance would be a fine thing.. One mate I used to relieve from your neck of the woods a Norie Smith was as an apprentice prisoner on the Altmark off Narvik, he and many others was rescued by the Cossack . The last time I saw him alive was many years ago, he was master on a World Wide ship and in Middlesbrough rolled up at my house when I was on leave and wanted me to go Mate with him. I was already employed so had to refuse. Cheers JS
Re: Merchant Navy Badge stamp on crew list
#11 John I also recall never seeing shipmates wearing it, it is only in later years that we realise how important our life at sea was to us both workwise and enjoyment wise, on the latter having served with wartime seamen, they knew how to relax when ashore and led us youngsters into all kinds f trouble, part of forgetting their experiences I should imagine. I wear it now to remind others of what they owe to those who went before us.
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Re: Merchant Navy Badge stamp on crew list
Post #10 Hi Ivan. It's 90 degrees out. Will try again.Attachment 29939
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Re: Merchant Navy Badge stamp on crew list
I've enlarged it, see if this is betterAttachment 29961
Sorry, not much! Try to paste it into MS Word then rotate and enlarge it.