Veteran seafarer calls for those lost at sea to be remembered on Merchant Navy Day

Date: 28.08.09 Veteran seafarer calls for those lost at sea to be remembered on Merchant Navy Day Harrowing story of World War 2 survivor Alfred Tubb 86 year-old World War 2 veteran Alfred Tubb is urging fellow veterans of conflict, as well as the general public, to remember those who fell during the World Wars and those who still make sacrifices today, on Merchant Navy Day, 6 September 2009. Mr. Tubb from Swansea is supporting the Sailors’ Society’s Sea of Remembrance campaign, which sees supporters send in special Red Ensign flags bearing their own messages and memories of loved ones. The flags are then planted by volunteers at Trinity Gardens, London, following the Merchant Navy Day Memorial Service. Mr. Tubb recently unveiled a headstone in memory of his former friend and shipmate Reginald Earnshaw, thought to be one of the youngest merchant navy seafarers to give their life in the Second World War at just 14 years old. They both served on SS North Devon when it was bombed by German aircraft in the North Sea in July 1941. Tragically, Reginald and several other seafarers were killed when the bomb caused steam pipes in the engine room to rupture. Mr. Tubb explained: “It’s thought that Reggie may have lied about his age to serve his country. I was only 18 at the time and it still upsets me to think of a young lad trapped inside that engine room and I couldn’t save him.” Mr. Tubb has never forgotten his friend and has spent the last four years trying to find his final resting place. Eventually he found his friend buried at Comely Bank Cemetery in Edinburgh. The grave was recorded but there was nothing to mark it, until earlier this year when a special ceremony took place which saw Alfred Tubb unveil a headstone and say a fond farewell to Reggie. He added: “The last I saw of Reggie was the ARP carrying his body ashore in tarpaulin. I left the ship in Immingham on ‘survivor’s leave’ but never forgot that terrible incident. Over the years I wondered what had happened and Reggie was very much on my mind. It’s wonderful to think that at long last Reggie has a head stone and has had his passing commemorated.” Sailors’ Society launches its Sea of Remembrance campaign annually and regularly receive up to 1000 Red Ensigns which are planted together to create the Sea of Remembrance. Events Fundraiser for Sailors’ Society Vicky Macleod explained: “Throughout the years we have received some really poignant and moving tributes. Alfred Tubb’s story is not uncommon for World War veterans and we receive messages from loved ones and veterans of other conflicts such as the Falklands. We also seek to remember current seafarers who face different dangers nowadays such as piracy.” To request a special Red Ensign flag from the Sailors’ Society please call 023 8051 5950 or visit www.sailors-society.org. All flags must be returned before Merchant Navy Day on 6 September. Ends Words: 455 Jpeg: Alfred Tubbs at the ceremony to unveil Reginald Earnshaw’s headstone. Examples of messages written on ‘Sea of Remembrance’ flags • To all the seafarers who think they may not be special to anybody – you are remembered and thought about in heads of people you have never met yet. May you fell their love and gain strength form this now and in moments when you perhaps feel alone. I look out to sea from my house and remember all those bobbing about on the horizon.’ • ‘In memory of the sailors who died during World War II, bringing food to Britain when I was a child’. • ‘He gave his life to bring us food – I will never forget.’ Sister-in-law of a WWII merchant seafarer • ‘With thoughts and thanks for a part of society that is often forgotten.’ • ‘In remembrance of those Merchant Seafarers who died, those who survived and those currently who sail the seas for our benefit – many thanks.’ Notes to Editors: The Sailors’ Society is an international charity that provides a personal lifeline for seafarers throughout the world. Existing to enrich and enhance the well-being of the world’s 1.2 million seafarers, the charity offers practical help, emotional and spiritual support and, when in dire need, financial assistance and family liaison through our Port Chaplains and Seafarers’ Centres. Our Port Chaplains visit thousands of ships every year, directly addressing the needs of seafarers - irrespective of a person’s belief or nationality - as well as maintaining vital links within the Ports that they operate. For more information, please visit www.sailors-society.org, or contact Debbie Osborne at Logical Creative Marketing on: 0845 345 69 69 or email: debbie@lcm.co.uk