Merchant Navy Memorial

[Ian Malcolm]

The following is in my recently published book, Life Aboard a Wartime Liberty Ship.

EPILOGUE

Although the civilian Merchant Navy suffered a higher percentage loss than any of the Armed Services in the Second World War, there is no memorial to it within the Scottish War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle as that which is deemed to represent it bears the incorrect title 'The Mercantile Marine'.

Due to the good service given by the Mercantile Marine in the First World War, George V conferred the title Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleet on the Prince of Wales in 1928. From that date, therefore, the correct title has been HM Merchant Navy and the silver lapel badge given to all of us, and which we proudly wore, bore the letters MN.

In case this should be regarded as pedantry, I would point out that the name change of our military air service was recognized as there is a memorial to 'The Royal Air Force' under that of 'The Royal Flying Corps'.

When, in 2000, I requested the Trustees of the Memorial to rectify the omission, they declined to do so on the grounds that their predecessors of 1945 had taken the decision not to make any changes. They did, however, agree to add a Red Ensign to the colours, but while pleased about this, it does not make up for the lack of a memorial to the Merchant Navy.

Prior to, and after, the publication of the book, I had letters on the subject published in newspapers, but, as no-one has made even one comment, it would appear that there is a total lack of interest.

[Ivan Cloherty]

The following is in my recently published book, Life Aboard a Wartime Liberty Ship.

EPILOGUE
Duethe lack of a memorial to the Merchant Navy.

Prior to, and after, the publication of the book, I had letters on the subject published in newspapers, but, as no-one has made even one comment, it would appear that there is a total lack of interest.

Hello Ian

Can understand your frustration, as although living on the coast I find that most people don't know what a ship is, never mind a Liberty ship, but all we can do is persevere its a long uphill struggle and fortunately we have some younger brethren on this site who can take up the baton.

Since having had letters about the MN published in local and national newspapers, the lady next door and the lady across the road have said "my father was in the Merchant Navy", but unfortunately they didn't know why I was flying the Red Ensign on MN Day. It is sad to think that people who have a direct connection have no idea what the Red Duster is and what it represents.

Almost everything in life goes through cycles so we can only hope that the revival of our own merchant fleet will be part of it, although god forbid it will need another war to get us on that cycle.

All we can do is keep trying

All the best

Ivan

[Keith at Tregenna]

If you would consider donating your" EPILOGUE" to our new concept for MN Fund Raising we could promote your work. No guarantees but may help in promoting in all the right circles?

http://hernamewasss.blogspot.com/

K.

[Ian Malcolm]

Keith

Don't know what you mean by 'donating' the Epilogue, but cannot see any reason why you shouldn't refer to it if you like.

Ian

[Keith at Tregenna]

Will reply with more ASAP, Please see link initially for more info.

http://hernamewasss.blogspot.com/

[Ian Malcolm]

Will reply with more ASAP, Please see link initially for more info.

http://hernamewasss.blogspot.com/

Keith

I've viewed the link and can't donate the epilogue as it's part of my book.

Best wishes

Ian

[Keith at Tregenna]

Thank you initially for your reply / response.

Thank you more and further for at least looking into WALHFMMNF, (With a Little Help Fom my Merchant Navy Friends).

I will consider all more and see that donate may not be the best choice of word.

Possibly, seek permission or similar would be better.

Following your own info: but, as no-one has made even one comment, it would appear that there is a total lack of interest.

Thought we may help, but abide by your decision but attempt to explain more for others that may come forward.

Eg: An example entry may be:

HIGHLY RECOMENDED:

Life Aboard a Wartime Liberty Ship by Ian Malcolm.

EPILOGUE

Although the civilian Merchant Navy suffered a higher percentage loss than any of the Armed Services in the Second World War, there is no memorial to it within the Scottish War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle as that which is deemed to represent it bears the incorrect title 'The Mercantile Marine'.

Due to the good service given by the Mercantile Marine in the First World War, George V conferred the title Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleet on the Prince of Wales in 1928. From that date, therefore, the correct title has been HM Merchant Navy and the silver lapel badge given to all of us, and which we proudly wore, bore the letters MN.

In case this should be regarded as pedantry, I would point out that the name change of our military air service was recognized as there is a memorial to 'The Royal Air Force' under that of 'The Royal Flying Corps'.

When, in 2000, I requested the Trustees of the Memorial to rectify the omission, they declined to do so on the grounds that their predecessors of 1945 had taken the decision not to make any changes. They did, however, agree to add a Red Ensign to the colours, but while pleased about this, it does not make up for the lack of a memorial to the Merchant Navy.

Prior to, and after, the publication of the book, I had letters on the subject published in newspapers, but, as no-one has made even one comment, it would appear that there is a total lack of interest.

Life Aboard a Wartime Liberty Ship is aviliable via:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Aboard-.../dp/144560020X

http://www.amberleybooks.com/shop/ca...81445600208%26

Seeking to help, raise a few bob fot the MN worthy causes etc, do not expect all to join in, but thank all that do.

?

K.

[Ian Malcolm]

Thanks again, Keith, but I'd rather you just forget it.

Regards

Ian

[Keith at Tregenna]

Hi Ian,

No worries mate, consider it forgotten.

Any one else looking in that may wish to aid / assist in a soon to be launched MN Fund raiser please PM me or similar.

The concept offers preserving much for the future, free publicity and increased sales? to the best audience and hopefully, making a few bob for MN worthy causes, especially to those that find no or little interest in general fields.

With a little help from my Merchant Navy Friends.

K.

[Ian Malcolm]

Thank you for your kind reply, Ivan. Keep flying the flag.

Best wishes

Ian