Naval Poetry

Poetry of any form relating to the Navy
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Pelican
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Re: Naval Poetry

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A Reminder & A Lament

A Reminder……………….Shiver me timbers me hearty!!!!!

Just a reminder as to what the Royal Navy used to be
I remember standing on the foc'sle on a Morning watch weighing anchor with
the smell of the North Wind whipping in from ahead and the taste of salt
spray on my lips.

The feel of the ship beneath me, a living thing as her engines drive her
through the sea.
The sounds of the Royal Navy, the piercing trill of the boatswains call, the
clang of the ships bell, the harsh squawk of the main broadcast Tannoy and
the strong language and laughter of sailors at work.

The warships, sleek destroyers, fussing frigates, plodding fleet
auxiliaries, menacing submarines, purposeful mine hunters and steady solid
carriers.

The proud names of the Royal Navy's capitol ships, ARK ROYAL, EAGLE, LION
and TIGER. The descriptive names of destroyers, DARING, BATTLEAXE, CAVALIER,
and frigates, ACTIVE, UNDAUNTED, VIGILANT to name just a few.
The military beat of the Royal Marine Band blaring on the upper deck as we
entered harbour in Procedure Alpha.
The pipe "Liberty men fall in" and the spicy scent and sights of a foreign
port.
Going ashore in No 1 uniform to meet the ladies and visit the watering holes
of these foreign ports.
My mates, men from all parts of the land, from city and country alike and
all walks of life, I depended on them as they depended on me for
professional competence, comradeship, trust and courage, in a word we were
shipmates, a band of brothers.
A loud game of Uckers in the evening with my messmates.
My shipmate slinging my Mick (hammock) for me coming aboard after a run
ashore, knowing that I would do the same for him.
The surge of adventure in my heart when the calls of "Special Sea Dutymen
close up" or "Away seaboats crew" were piped.
The absolute joy of hearing the call "Up Spirits" in anticipation of your
daily tot of rum.
The sudden adrenalin rush when the "Action Stations" alarm blared, followed
by the clamour of running feet on ladders and the resounding thump of
watertight doors and hatches being shut as the ship transformed herself from
a peaceful home to a deadly weapon of war ready for anything.
The atmosphere of the ship in the darkness of night, the dim red glow of the
nightlights and the navigation lights.
Standing on the quarterdeck as "Lifebuoy Ghost" (sentry) watching the
sparkling phosphorescence from the screws as they constantly pushed tons of
water astern of the ship, carrying us to our next destination.
The "Watch on Deck" on a balmy tropical night in the South China sea
watching the glorious sunset, and flying fish gliding for amazing distances
across the surface of the sea, with some landing inboard.
Drifting off to sleep in a hammock, lulled by the myriad of noises large and
small that told me that my ship is alive and well and that my shipmates were
on watch and keeping me safe.
The aroma from the galley during the Morning Watch. Cheesy, Hammy, Eggy,
Train Smash, Sh*t on a Raft and Figgy Duff.
The wholesome taste of kai (very thick cocoa) during the middle watch on a
cold, dark winters night.
The sound of the bow slicing through the mirror calm of the sea and the
frolicking of dolphins as they darted in and out of the bow wave.
Watching the ships wake disappearing back towards the horizon knowing that
it will be gone in a short time and being aware of the fact that we were not
the first or will not be the last to leave our mark on the water.
The state of the art equipment and the orange glow of radar screens manned
by young men in anti-flash gear using sound powered phones that their
grandfathers would still recognise.
The infectious feeling of excitement as we returned home again, the hugs and
kisses of welcome from sweethearts, family and friends.
The work was hard and dangerous, the going rough at times, the parting from
loved ones painful but the robust Royal Navy comradeship, the all for one
and one for all philosophy of the sea was ever present.
The traditions of the Royal Navy and the men who made them and the heroism
of the men who sailed in the ships of yesteryear.
Now that I am home I still remember with fondness and respect the sea in all
its moods from the shimmering mirror calm of the tropics to the storm tossed
waters of the North Atlantic, the bright colours of the White Ensign
snapping at the yardarm, the sound of hearty laughter.
I am ashore for good now and grow wistful about my Royal Navy days, when I
was young and a new adventure was ever over the horizon.
Stamped on my brain is my Official Number and an anchor where my heart is.
Numbers will never be the same again: Uniforms: Number 1s 2s 3s 8s 10s 10a's
Punishments: Number 9s & 14s.
Even as times change, and young matelots take over from old seadogs, some
things will never change.
The old days were always harder.
The recruits always looked younger.
Official Numbers were always smaller.
The waves were always bigger.
The girls were as good looking in Pompey (Portsmouth) as they were in Guzz
(Devonport).
Your last ship was always the best.
If I haven't been there, it doesn't exist - or we blew it off the map.
Only a sailor knows, I was a sailor once and I know.
I look back and realise it was not just a job, it was a way of life.

A life where shipmates were a family never to be forgotten.

I was part of the Royal Navy and the Royal Navy will always be part of me.



A MATELOT’S LAMENT!

When you go back to Pompey,
If you have not been for years,
The chances are when you get there,
Your eyes will fill with tears.

Now ugly buildings, square and tall,
Rise up beside the old Guildhall,
And a Naval Town is hardly right,
With not a uniform in sight

When you proceed to RNB,
No familiar parade ground will you see,
Developers have grabbed the lot,
And built upon that hallowed spot.

By that time you may need a drink,
And a little time – to sit and think,
A glance around will quickly show,
The pubs have gone that we used to know,
You’ll find they’ve knocked the brewery down.

The Dockyard gates are open wide,
Now anyone can go inside,
With museums and exhibitions free,
To show how great we used to be,
To find the Royal Navy though
You will really have to search
Because everything is privatised,
Except the Dockyard Church!

Anon.
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HMS Pelican 1938 - 1958 GGCV L86 U86 F86 What I Have I Hold ~ A wonderful bird is the Pelican its beak can hold more than its belly can.
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Pelican
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Re: Naval Poetry

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Civvy to Sailor
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HMS Pelican 1938 - 1958 GGCV L86 U86 F86 What I Have I Hold ~ A wonderful bird is the Pelican its beak can hold more than its belly can.
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Pelican
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Re: Naval Poetry

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Sailors
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HMS Pelican 1938 - 1958 GGCV L86 U86 F86 What I Have I Hold ~ A wonderful bird is the Pelican its beak can hold more than its belly can.
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jbryce1437
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Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2018 7:28 pm
Location: Roker, Sunderland

Re: Naval Poetry

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If you meet a sailor on your trip to the pub,
You should buy him a pint, not give him a snub.
But if it goes down in a second or two,
Don’t buy him another, whatever you do!
Then ask him about all the places he’s been,
All the foods that he’s eaten, all sights that he’s seen,
And here is a tip for the rest of your life,
Don’t let him stand next to your good looking wife.
Don’t challenge a sailor to some drinking game.
You’ll end up unconscious, or dying of shame.
And don’t let him get angry, please just treat him right,
Or you might get involved in a terrible fight.
Ask him quite early what branch badge he wears,
And then try to ignore every time that he swears.
For his swearing he heard in recruit training days,
From some old Senior Rate, as critical praise.
He tries to be good, but the effort soon hurts.
He attracts lots of girls, in very short skirts.
His tattoos tell stories of far-away places,
And often show ladies, or crosses, or aces.
But a sailors a friend who we all like to know,
Who’ll stand by your side and trade blow for blow.
He’s a qualified hero and a much cherished son,
But an angel’s certificate, he’s still working on.
HMS Raleigh 1963 , HMS Collingwood 1963 & 67 , HMS Ark Royal 1964-7, HMS Undaunted 1968-71, HMS Victory (Fleet Maintenance Group) 1971-72, HMS Exmouth 1972-74
JEM, EM, OEM, LOEM, POOEL
Then 28 years in the Fire Brigade
Retired since 2002
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ivorthediver
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Joined: Fri Aug 10, 2018 8:42 pm
Location: Cambridge Shore Battery

Re: Naval Poetry

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Self Praise is no praise they say ...Jim ;)
"What Ever Floats your Boat"
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Pelican
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Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2018 10:10 pm

Re: Naval Poetry

Unread post by Pelican »

Russ Welland to H.M.S. Ganges

A lovely Christmas ditty from the Royal Navy 🎅🏽

Twas the night before Christmas, the ship was out steaming,
Sailors stood watch while others were dreaming.
They lived in a Tin Can with racks tight and small,
In a 30 man mess deck cramped in, one and all.
I had come down the funnel with presents to give,
To see in this War Canoe who might perhaps live.
I looked all about, a strange sight did I see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stockings were hung, shined boots close at hand,
On the bulkhead hung pictures of a far distant land.
They had medals and badges and awards of all kind,
And a sobering thought came into my mind.
For this place was different, so dark and so dreary,
I had found the house of a Sailor, once I saw clearly.
A Sailor lay sleeping, silent and alone,
Curled up in a rack and dreaming of home.
The face was so gentle, the mess squared away,
This was the Royal Navy Sailor today.
This was the Hero I saw on TV,
Defending our country so we could be free.
I realised the families that I would visit this night,
Owed their lives to these Sailors so willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each day of the year,
Because of the Sailor, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve on a sea, far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The Sailor awakened and I heard a calm voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice."
"Defending the seas all days of the year,
So others may live and be free with no fear."
I thought for a moment, what a difficult road,
To live a life guided by Honour and Code.
After all it's Christmas Eve and the ship's underway!
But freedom isn't free and it's sailors who pay.
The Sailor say's to our country "be free and sleep tight,
No harm will come, not on my watch, not on this night.
The Sailor rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent, so still,
I watched as the Sailor shivered from the night's cold chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honour so willing to fight.
The Sailor rolled over and with a voice strong and sure,
Commanded, "Carry on Santa, It's Christmas, and All is Secure!"
HMS Pelican 1938 - 1958 GGCV L86 U86 F86 What I Have I Hold ~ A wonderful bird is the Pelican its beak can hold more than its belly can.
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Pelican
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Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2018 10:10 pm

Re: Naval Poetry

Unread post by Pelican »

THE LANGUAGE OF THE HIGH SEAS
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HMS Pelican 1938 - 1958 GGCV L86 U86 F86 What I Have I Hold ~ A wonderful bird is the Pelican its beak can hold more than its belly can.
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Pelican
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Re: Naval Poetry

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Back in the day of bobs and tanners
Sailors from Guzz we all called Janners.
Bases in Malta and Honky Fid
And Kai in a Fanny without a lid.
A bucket you'd need to skirmish the yard
But the Buffer would take your station card
Watch on deck I've got the first
But it's all night in, so it's not the worst.
Back in the day when the navy had a fleet
Ships of the line, all tiddley and neat.
Cruisers and Destroyers in the FES and the Med
Make and Mend leave and swinging the lead
Back in the day, when bubbly was drawn
Round the mess table the G men would swarm
Favours earned sippers or a gulp of your tot,
For a week’s dhobey you'd see off the lot.
Back in the day, of roughers and spray
When oilskins and seaboots was rig of the day
In the Med it was sixes all gleaming white
The trousers were Bells and the jumpers were tight
Back in those days when we all joined "THE MOB"
We all had a pride; it was more than a job
Civvies weren't allowed, the "Rig" is what we wore.
And we all walked tall when going ashore.
But those days are gone we've lost half the fleet
The pubs are all shut where we all used to meet
The bars where we sang have all lost their buzz
From Chatham to Weymouth, Pompey to Guzz
Carriers built but planes yet to come
Fifth fivers brought back, it’s alright for some
The Andrew we knew has been terribly mashed
With establishments shut and manpower slashed.
So we spin dits and yarns, of times we were in
Wearing bellbottom trousers and we were all thin
But we're glad that we left and walked out of those gates
Because we've had the best times, when Pusser was great.
Up spirits (stand fast the Holy Ghost)

Posted elsewhere by Steve Williams
HMS Pelican 1938 - 1958 GGCV L86 U86 F86 What I Have I Hold ~ A wonderful bird is the Pelican its beak can hold more than its belly can.
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Pelican
Posts: 9743
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2018 10:10 pm

Re: Naval Poetry

Unread post by Pelican »

Nicol Wallis:

Glad to see this poem I wrote for the Diamond reunion some time ago is still about.
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HMS Pelican 1938 - 1958 GGCV L86 U86 F86 What I Have I Hold ~ A wonderful bird is the Pelican its beak can hold more than its belly can.
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Pelican
Posts: 9743
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2018 10:10 pm

Re: Naval Poetry

Unread post by Pelican »

Twas the night before Christmas, the ship was out steaming,
Sailors stood watch while others were dreaming.
They lived in a Tin Can with racks tight and small,
In a 30 man mess deck cramped in, one and all.
I had come down the funnel with presents to give,
To see in this War Canoe who might perhaps live.
I looked all about, a strange sight did I see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stockings were hung, shined boots close at hand,
On the bulkhead hung pictures of a far distant land.
They had medals and badges and awards of all kind,
And a sobering thought came into my mind.
For this place was different, so dark and so dreary,
I had found the house of a Sailor, once I saw clearly.
A Sailor lay sleeping, silent and alone,
Curled up in a rack and dreaming of home.
The face was so gentle, the mess squared away,
This was the Royal Navy Sailor today.
This was the Hero I saw on TV,
Defending our country so we could be free.
I realised the families that I would visit this night,
Owed their lives to these Sailors so willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,
And grown ups would celebrate on Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each day of the year,
Because of the Sailor, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve on a sea, far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The Sailor awakened and I heard a calm voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice."
"Defending the seas all days of the year,
So others may live and be free with no fear.
"I thought for a moment, what a difficult road,
To live a life guided by Honour and Code.
After all it's Christmas Eve and the ship's underway !
But freedom isn't free and it's sailors who pay.
The Sailor say's to our country "be free and sleep tight,
No harm will come, not on my watch, not on this night.
The Sailor rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent, so still,
I watched as the Sailor shivered from the night's cold chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honour so willing to fight.
The Sailor rolled over and with a voice strong and sure,
Commanded, "Carry on Santa, It's Christmas, and All is Secure!"
HMS Pelican 1938 - 1958 GGCV L86 U86 F86 What I Have I Hold ~ A wonderful bird is the Pelican its beak can hold more than its belly can.
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