| Subject: Re: M.N. Memorial |
Author:
KG (SAD)
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Date Posted: Friday, June 20, 07:07:51pm
In reply to:
Michael Lawrence( 4 John In Oz)
's message, "Re: M.N. Memorial" on Friday, June 06, 02:04:14pm
Although I applaud the work of the Commonwealth War Grave Commission and all bodies and individuals that attempt to remember, There is a failing that is not widely known. There are many names at Tower Hill, listed on plaques by ships name and crew. These are in both WWI and WW2 sections and there is also a Falklands Memorial.
Nothing wrong with that, it is sad to see the names of all the lost Merchant Seamen that perished to save us all. The sad fact is that there are thousand of names and when we say "LEST WE FORGET" We are led to believe that this means all. Tower Hill would have to be enlarged immensley if this were to be the case.
The CWGC etc Remembers and cares for the memorials and graves etc, (if by chance there is / was a grave above the waves) However, unlike the armed forces whom are remembered / commemorated etc the Merchant Navy has to meet strict criteria to be included.
An airman that died in a car crash would be commemorated, an RN sailor on home leave perhaps the same, a soldier in similar circumstances. But, a Merchant Seaman, had to perish in or due to a war time act, or been invlved in a wartime activity and died from the result etc of enemy action.
There are many, very many, not commemorated at Tower Hill or by the CWGC etc. It may not be a failing of the organisations, whom I am certain would like to remember all and not just some. But, a change in Government policy would have to be sought.
We shall remember them "LEST WE FORGET" should mean all of them. Over 33,000 seamen lost their lives in WW2. Men whose wages were stopped the moment a torpedo struck their ship. Men who still vividly remember the horrors of watching their shipmates drown or horrible burn to death when ships carrying high octane blew up in a fiery ball. Men who survived and returned home only to sign on and ship out yet again to face the enemy with guts and determination to make their contribution to the war effort.
No matter what enemy action they faced, medals won etc, to die in port etc, would not fit the criteria and the brave young men of the forgotten service, remain forgotten. Some survived the first World War and survived much action, survived attacks in the second World War and experiences etc may have led to an early loss of life. But, without a direct hit from an Heinkel or a U.boat torpedo etc, well simply they do not fit the criteria.
Even today bereaved famillies struggle to gain commemoration for loved ones, frankly those that do not meet the criteria, stand little chance of such commemoration. If by chance you can prove the case, there is now a delay in adjudication. An official presides over RN,RAF and Army claims to commemoration,although apparently there is no official to decide on the fate of an MN claim. I would love to stand corrected on this and someone tell me that it is not so. But, I fear you will find that as a Nation, WE DO NOT REMEMBER ALL THAT SERVED and that is a National disgrace. I will be at Tower Hill again this year and attempt in my own way to remember all, Criteria met or not.
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