Post by Admin on Aug 29, 2022 7:16:37 GMT
The Forgotten Service...still forgotten.
Barry and her docks have often been called a former Merchant Navy town.
At the end of the Second World War a "Victory Parade" for servicemen was organised by the council in Barry and sponsored by the Mayor. Objections were received from a number of councillors because Merchant Seamen were going to be included in the Parade. These councillors stated that the Merchant Navy were not entitled to march, as the parade was for personnel from the three services, Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force only.
A greater insult to the people of Barry could not have been made, most families having lost a member, a relation, or a near neighbour at sea during the war. These men, some as young as 15, and others as old as 68, were unsung heroes, and only through their efforts and sacrifice was Britain fed and armed, to enable it to keep fighting. Most Barry servicemen had relatives or friends who had served in the Merchant Navy, and refused to march unless the Merchant Navy were included. It was a situation reminiscent of the Luton Riots, and if the parade went ahead without these men the same action might take place. The council backed down and quickly took another vote and included the Merchant Navy in the parade. Tom. Clemett.
Barry and her docks have often been called a former Merchant Navy town.
At the end of the Second World War a "Victory Parade" for servicemen was organised by the council in Barry and sponsored by the Mayor. Objections were received from a number of councillors because Merchant Seamen were going to be included in the Parade. These councillors stated that the Merchant Navy were not entitled to march, as the parade was for personnel from the three services, Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force only.
A greater insult to the people of Barry could not have been made, most families having lost a member, a relation, or a near neighbour at sea during the war. These men, some as young as 15, and others as old as 68, were unsung heroes, and only through their efforts and sacrifice was Britain fed and armed, to enable it to keep fighting. Most Barry servicemen had relatives or friends who had served in the Merchant Navy, and refused to march unless the Merchant Navy were included. It was a situation reminiscent of the Luton Riots, and if the parade went ahead without these men the same action might take place. The council backed down and quickly took another vote and included the Merchant Navy in the parade. Tom. Clemett.