The fog

[Ian Adrian Millar]

THE FOG

The fog rolls in across the wave,
Obscures the heroes and the brave.
It hides the wounds and battle's scar,
Of merchant seamen near and far.

The Old Red Duster at the stern,
Young boys to men were quick to learn.
They had a task they had to do,
It was theirs to bring the cargo through.

They were the ones who fell at sea,
Who paid the price to keep us free.
They sailed in storm and howling gale,
In spite of all they did not fail.

The fog rolls in and blankets all,
Including those who heard the call.
It covers those who cannot speak,
And those still sleeping in the deep.

Ian Adrian Millar

[Keith at Tregenna]

There is a power in poetry and your pen will not fade,
as in art the value may be discovered later.

a good friend Capt. Joe Earl has helped me over the
years in what I do: http://joesverse.simplesite.com/160596375

EG:

MERCHANT NAVY STAMP OF APPROVAL

Defeat was mighty close in the second greatest war,
Five thousand ships with cargos sent to the ocean floor,
Merchant men were slaughtered sustaining our lifeline,
The Country issued ration books so desperate was the time.

A crisis at the Home Front, foodstuff very short,
Rations and provisions scarcely making port,
Convoys steaming steadfast under Red Ensigns,
Faced demise from U-boats, the bombers and the mines.

There were many heroes on land and sea and air,
And thirty thousand Seamen gave their lives out there,
Transporting reinforcements, resources and supplies,
And fuel to fly the spitfires fighting in the skies.

Perhaps we should commend them by illustrating stamps,
With the freighters and the liners, the tankers and the tramps,
It would be a special tribute, rather overdue,
To mariners who manned them and a way to say thank you.

J.S.Earl Nov. 2009

Though, the above is only one example, as said poetry has moved
mountains.

Joe's poem helped me swing our case for the eventual MN Royal Mail
postage stamps. A short piece by me was featured by Stanley Gibbons
and not claiming all myself, there were others that also gave it all, it
was achieved.

https://www.collectgbstamps.co.uk/ex...s/?issue=22659

Stanley Gibbons, not only helped what we sought but also printed my article as mentioned and not expected paid me 50 quid,
not expected.

MN STAMP APPROVAL.jpg

On receipt of the £50, this kick started the Captain Foster / SS Trevessa fund to refurbish his grave and much more after.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-14070955

In reality, the above is not about me, just explains a little Ian of both my respect for you and your pen.

Keep up the good work.

1 1 RESPECT.jpg

.

[Ian Adrian Millar]

Keith: As always my thanks to you for the kind comments and for the coverage on your friend Capt Joe Earl. I like his poetry and he does have a way with his verse. I was interested that you had a part in the creation of the set of postage stamps honoring the Merchant Service. It is a nice set of stamps and I believe I have some of them in my collection. Armistice day coming up, now called Veterans Day over here. It's my dad's birthday November 11, 1918 and I recall as a little kid how excited my sister and I used to get as when he was home dad would take us downtown for the big parade and he used to tell us it was all for him something of a family joke. Back then merchant seamen were not invited to march or take part in the parade and for the most part were forgotten. Later in life I was able to bring recognition to merchant seamen through various projects. Anyway thanks for sharing the info on Captain Earl I look forward to reading more of his verse.

Ian

[Keith at Tregenna]

A bit odd but the Red Ensign has been flown on the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London since the day it was built in 1919, but as you mention for many years members of the Merchant Navy, the fourth service, were excluded from remembrance ceremonies, including the march-past at the Cenotaph.

Not going into all now, but those that sailed after them did little, pleased to have help with a few that have done much, not worth saying to much but, working now on next year, following the world health situation etc and will deliver for the MN / MNA. Meanwhile, was near to giving up on this, other fingers in other pies etc and feel more appreciated in RAF and other circles.

Not knocking here on the head but, little on the MN in reality and topics / chat about things like beef burgers and on are known even to landlubbers. Anyway a one off post and how I see much, but, as said a one off for now observation. I have much to do MN wise and may
not be about so much.

K.