MERCHANT NAVY DAY

They came from the Shetland Islands,
And from Barry down in Wales.
To crew our wartime merchant fleet,
No matter where it sails.

they sailed in hostile waters,
Where bombs came raining down.
Some came from major cities,
From the shires and the town.

So many up the gangway came,
In those anxious times of need.
They put their lives upon the line,
Those men, that special breed.

Many sailed, did not return,
And vanished neath the wave.
While bringing food to keep us fed,
Our island theirs to save.

We've not forgotten those who served,
Near home or far away.
Their names enshrined forever,
On Merchant Navy Day

Ian Adrian Millar