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McIvor Collection
Alan McIver, survivor of the H.M.S. Prince of Wales
 
on back - Kondy? 1942
 
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3rd March 1939 St. Lawrence, Strathmore Park South, Belfast - This
Certifies that I have known Allan McIvor for the past 12 years. He is well
connected and belongs to a good family. Allan is a fine straight, honest,
sober and trustful young man. He can be trusted in any Capacity. He is
intelligent and has received a good education. I have very great pleasure in
recommending him. Signed W. J. Davey, Minister of Spamount Church, Belfast
2) 2nd March 1939 Model School Belfast - I have pleasure in hearing
testimony to the very good character of Alan McIvor who has been a pupil
here since 24.8.36. I have invariably found him truthful, honest and
obedient. He has been enrolled in Standard VII since 1st July 1938. ?
McNeilly
3) A. R. McIvor, 80 Cleveley Park, Belfast
4) Post Office Telegram
GLT Gayther 43 Everton Rd. Southport Lancs. - Safe and Well Love = George +
CT 43
5) -
6) Once Navy ... Always
Navy
7) Thank you for your
gift ...
8)
Trenchers Fish Restaurant Whitby 603212
I assume these are Alans medals although there is no name on them
there is no information with these 2 photos
     
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1) Handing Over Certificate: 1026 H.M.S. "Prince of Wales" - We, Messrs. Cammel Laird & Company, Limited, Birkenhead, at Sea handed over this 31st
day of March One thousand nine hundred and fourty-one, at 11-50 p.m. o'clock
H.M.S. Prince of Wales constructed by us for His Majesty's Navy. John
Harvey = Received from Messrs. Cammel Laird & Company Limited,
Birkenhead H.M.S. Prince of Wales this 31st day of March. One thousand nine
hundred and forty-one, without prejudice to outstanding liabilities. John
Catterell Leach Commanding Officer
2) 13th September 1943 to Sergt. J. H. McIvor, A.G., Sergt's Mess R.A.F.,
Sleap, Shropshire, England from A. R. McIvor A.B., S.D., D/JX 163777,
H.M.A.S. Cessnock, c/o British Fleet Mail - Dear Harry, Thanks ever so much
for your most welcome letter, I have been looking forward to it quite a lot.
I see you have endeavoured to get a few more lines in, next time see if you
can get a few more in. The pubs in Belfast won't have enough beer for us the
nest time we are home to-gether. Yes, I remember the old time alright, only
too well. I can well imagine you going down fighting, you always were the
beligerent one of the family. Remember old Morton, our French master at
school? he wasn't far wrong when he said you would be in the ring soon,
little did he know what sort of a ring it was going to be. And when you have
your sights on one of those b......s, give him a burst for the guy who used
to carry you through those french classes. How did you enjoy your stay in
London, tell me about it the next time you write. I see you have moved
around quite a lot since you joined, but don't go wandering further afield,
stay at home if you can. I never even volunteered for overseas and now I'm
just finishing my two and a half year commission, some of it hasn't been
easy either. Thanks for having your photograph taken, I hope it comes soon.
I'm sending you two photos later, or I should say in the next letter which
goes the same time as this one. I'd a letter from Mother a few days ago, I
got a surprise when she told me Beatrice Martin was married. Oh, before I
close I'd like to let you know that we are in the Mediterranean so if you do
by any chance get out this way, keep your eyes open, I'm always looking out
for guy in Air Force blue. This is all for now 'Kid,' write soon and make it
a longer letter, I'll be able to write more then. All the best of luck, and
may you bag many of 'em. Your loving Brother Alan. P.S. I just had a
letter from Mum, she has sent your photo. A.
 
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1)
Daily Express Saturday May 31, 1941 - Decisive Battle Rages in
Crete; The Kill: Bismarck, Hitler's pride, goes up in flames, then
down in pieces; Rioting in Bagdad: Boy King Kidnapped; Bismarck Bigger than
the Hood.
2) Daily Express Saturday May 31, 1941 - I Saw The Hood Blow Up;
Crete: Greek Ships Overturn Nazis; Berlin Talks of 'Retreat'; Seized Ship
Was Full of Germans.
3) Daily Express Saturday May 31, 1941 - Germans in Hundreds Leaped
Into the Sea as Bismarck Sank; 20 Girls Till Downs; Shepherd, Fred Mitchell,
saves sheep; Party: Then Fall From Window; Girl is Bigamist at Nineteen;
Days Off Beat Pit Bonus.
4) part articles - Freddie Harrison, aged six, saves his sisters' lives &
other part articles
5) Submerged in Naval facts and war rarities by Steven Moore
6)
East Belfast News 25th April 1996 -
Legionnaires made freemen of borough.
7)
East Belfast News 25th April 1996 - Photo:
Stepping Out - The 'Ballymac Girls' will be stepping out at the Fitness
Northern Ireland aerobics championships being held at the University of
Ulster, Jordanstown, this Saturday. [Sharon Lindsay, Deborah Lindsay, Helen
Copeland, Cheryl Williamson, Mandie McAllister, and centre, Joanne
Gillespie. (CLICK image 2 for full article)
8) News Letter 2nd July
2005 - Somme fallen remembered.
9) News Letter 9th
April 2001 - Survivors of Burma Meet to Remember - Tommy Dickson, Ashley
Phoenix, Austen Lennon, Alan Chambers, Col. Harry Porter, Alan McIvor, Jim
McCall, WO Jack Greer, LAC William McMaster, Sgt. Harry Erskine, Major Bill
Canning
 
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To Alan with sincere good wishes Harold
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2) Ministry of Defence. With the
Compliments of the Under Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for
Veterans - This Veteran's Badge is presented to you in recognition of your
service during the Second World War. You may wish to wear it on suitable
occasions when dressed in civilian attire.
 
 
 
  
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1) 13 December 1991 HMS Repulse and HMS Prince
of Wales "Farewell Dinner" Tanglin Club, Singapore - We are off to look for
trouble, I expect to find it. Cpt. Tennant HMS Repulse, 17.35 hours
8th December 1941 - All 11.07 hours on the morning of the 10th December
1941, Repulse's loudspeakers barked our "Enemy Aircraft approaching. Action
stations, thus beginning the action which will forever be in the annals of
Royal Navy history, and which changed the course of Naval Warfare for ever.
The first wave of Bombers, nine in all attacked Repulse, and despite evasive
action, and the guns of the complete force being deployed, Repulse suffered
a direct hit. At 11.44 hours a second wave of sixteen attacked the Prince of
Wales causing severe damage, further attacks followed on the unprotected
Ships. Despite brilliant seamanship the Repulse, having evaded nineteen
torpedoes took five direct hits. Captain Tennant knowing his Ship
intimately, and that she could not survive, ordered Abandon Ship. At 12.33
hours she went down. The Prince of Wales continued to be attacked and
at 13.00 hours Captain Leach called the accompanying Express to take off the
wounded, and those no longer required to work the Ship. At 13.20 hours the
Prince of Wales rolled ponderously over to port and went down. In all
eight hundred and forty men lost their lives, including Admiral Sir Tom
Phillips, and Captain Leach. For the survivors it was for many only
the "end of the beginning." Goodbye, Thank you, Good Luck, God Bless
you. Cpt. Leach HMS Prince of Wales 13.20 hours December 10th 1941 -
Best Regards on a wonderful night. Gary & Jan Hand? 13/12/91 McDermott Int.?
Diving Manager SEA/ARE/MEA/AUS?
2) H.M.S. Prince of Wales
and H.M.S. Repulse 50th Anniversary Tour Itinerary
3) 18th April 1992 HMS
Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse Survivors Association Reunion Dinner, Crest
Hotel, Liverpool - This belongs to EX Petty Officer A. McIvor D/JX163777 -
Beattie POW B'pool; Leslie V. G. Whitburn, Newport; George Mills, Cambridge;
Frederick Chandle, Cardiff. Newspaper Clipping, Charge grave scavengers.
Those who seek to profit from the dead, especially men and women who lost
their lives fighting for their country, are despicable. Foreign diving firms
are taking groups down to british war wrecks to scavenge for souvenirs.
Mementoes are then sold around the world. This must be stopped. The
submerged hulls of HMS Prince of Wales, Repulse and RFA Sir Galahad are
official war graves. They are the last resting place of hundreds of British
sailors and tampering with them causes untold anguish for their families.
Fortunately, no British divers are involved in this ghoulish trade but a
legal loophole allows foreigners to dive on British ships with impunity. We
strongly support Baroness Crawley's intention of raising the issue with
foreign governments. But shouldn't we get tougher? Why not charge those who
sell spoils taken from Royal Navy ships with theft?
4) 22nd May 1993 HMS
Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse Survivors Association Reunion Dinner, HMS
Drake Royal Naval Barracks, Devonport - Trevor & Lynda Lovekin, St. Termine?
Court, Chula Vista, California - "A food for thought as grace we partake, At
our first reunion at HMS Drake. There's nothing in the world that blends,
Like good food, good wine, good company, & good friends." D. A.
McGrath. Guy Griffiths; John B. (Bird) Richards, Lord Mayor Plymouth 1993.
  
  
  
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1) 11th May 1996 HMS Prince of Wales and HMS
Repulse Survivors Association Annual Reunion Dinner, HMS Drake Royal Naval
Barracks, Devonport/9th December 1994 - Newspaper Clipping:- Commander Ian
Forbes, who has died aged 72, managed to resume a successful naval career
after enduring the mental and physical horrors of a Japanese prisoner-of-war
camp. In 1941 he was in the battleship Prince of Wales when she and the
battle-cruiser Repulse were attacked and sunk by Japanese aircraft in the
South China Sea on Dec. 10. He was picked up by the destroyer Electra
and taken to Singapore. There, in the chaotic weeks before the Japanese
advance, he commanded a battalion of 300 sailors for the defence of the
dockyard; worked as a stevedore unloading merchant ships; and was assistant
beach master at the northern end of the Johore Causeway when the Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders withdrew to Singapore Island. Forbes escaped from Singapore on
Feb 15 1942 in the river gunboat Grasshopper, one of the last ships to leave
before the surrender. She also had on board sailors whose ships had been
sunk, Army officers, wounded men, Japanese PoWs, pregnant Dutch women and
Grasshopper's mascot, a pedigree pointer bitch called Judy. Grasshopper was
sighted by Japanese aircraft soon after dawn and suffered several attacks in
which she was bombed, set on fire and beached on an offshore island where
her magazine blew up. The survivors struggled ashore and - thanks to
Forbes's resourcefulness - help was obtained from the islanders, the wounded
were put in hospital, and the remainder began an odyssey by boat, lorry and
train across Sumatra. Some were captured on the way, and Judy became
the only registered canine PoW. Forbes eventually succeeded in joining
the destroyer Stronghold, which sailed for Australia. But Stronghold was
over-hauled and sunk by a Japanese cruiser on March 2. For the third time in
as many months, Forbes was a survivor. Forbes spoke little about his
subsequent experiences in the Celebes, Java and Changi, except to say it was
"just three and a half years under the most savage soldiers and sailors on
earth". Forbes returned home in 1945 and was awarded the DSC for his
services in Grasshopper. Miraculously, Judy also survived the war and, after
quarantine, won the Dickin medal - the animals' VC. Her joyful bark was
broadcast worldwide by the BBC in the Victory Day programme of June 8
1946. A scion of the Forbes of Newe baronets, Ian Dudley Stewart
Forbes was born on Sept. 10 1919 and joined the Navy as a cadet at
Dartmouth in 1933. He served in the sloop Bittern and the cruiser
Aurora in the Norwegian campaign of 1940, then joined Prince of Wales, which
in August 1941 took Winston Churchill across to sign the Atlantic Charter
with President Roosevelt. Her wardroom gave a dinner for American naval
officers, who were delighted by the appearance of Forbes, in pink whiskers
and a kilt, marching over the furniture as though across his native heath,
playing "a horrible lament" on his bagpipes. After the war Forbes
served in the cruiser Ajax in the Mediterranean, in the frigates Widemouth
Bay and Loch Veyatie and, after a staff course, as commander of the
minesweeper Maenad in the Far East. During the 1950s he spent several
years in Naval Intelligence, and was Naval Attaché in Stockholm.
Forbes was a Younger Brother of Trinity House. Latterly he settled in
Dumfriesshire, where he worked for Cancer Relief. He married first, in
1950, Lady Penelope Rous, younger daughter of the 4th Earl of Stradbroke.
They had a son and two daughters, of whom the younger is the photographer
Caroline Forbes (who took the portrait above). The marriage was dissolved in
1960 and he married in 1961 Gunilla, daughter of Major Fritz Ryman.
2) 26th April 1997 HMS
Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse Survivors Association Annual Reunion Dinner,
The Carlton Cumberland Hotel, Scarborough - "Ready, Aye Ready" - The Royal
Navy
3) 8th May 1999 HMS
Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse Survivors Association Annual Reunion Dinner,
The Cumberland-Carlton Hotel, Scarborough "Ready, Aye Ready" - Absent
Shipmates, Tried and True, You Live in our Hearts, We Will Remember You. -
To all survivors of H.M.S. Prince of Wales and H.M.S. Repulse and their
families & friends, a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
 
 
 
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1) Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum Pamphlet
2) 19th August 1989
Warriors Day Parade, Canadian National Exhibition
3) 1914-1918 Service of
Remembrance, Willowfield War Memorial, Bryansford Street, 11th November
4) 2nd September 1990
Service to Dedicate a Memorial Book in which is Commemorated the names of:
Royal Air Forces Personnel from Northern Ireland who lost their lives in the
Second World War at Belfast Cathedral.
5) Xmas Wishes Kind &
True - Produced by The Western Front Association Ulster Branch. Reproduction
of an original World War 1 Christmas Card in the possession of W. J.
Heyburn.
  
   
 
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1) 13th May 2000 HMS Prince of Wales and HMS
Repulse Survivors Association Annual Reunion Dinner, HMS Drake, Royal Naval
Barracks, Devonport - Those wand'ring years so long ago, Bring mem'ries fond
and sad, Thro' war and peace, where four winds blow, When I was just a lad.
Jack Everson, Boy Seaman, H.M.S. Prince of Wales - Silence for stricken
sailors - Ken Byrne, 79, and Alan McIvor, 79, stand in silence at the annual
service of remembrance at St. Nicholas Church, Liverpool, for the sailors
who perished on board HMS Prince of Wales in World War II. Many of those
killed when the ship was struck by Japanese bombers off the coast of Malaya,
61 years ago, came from Merseyside. Mr. Byrne, from West Derby, is secretary
of the vessel's survivors' association and has been campaigning to bring the
ship's bell to the Maritime Museum in Liverpool. It has been housed in
Portsmouth since Ministry of Defence divers rescued it from the seabed.
2) 17th May 2003 HMS
Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse Survivors Association Annual Reunion Dinner,
Cumberland Hotel, Scarborough - We fought the "Good Fight" as best we could.
One wonders; was Admiral Nelson looking down, saying, "Well done my lads"? -
Royal British Legion, Cregagh-Wandsworth Branch, Montgomery Road, Belfast:
Tom Burns, The Haven, Tirbracken Road, Drumahoe, L'Derry - List of Officers
who are Members: Commander, G. A. G. Brooke, Prince of Wales; Lt. Commander
CMB, de-Las CASAS. LVO. OBE. RN., Repulse; Commodore, Sir John Clerk, BT.
CBE., Repulse; Commander, I. Forbes, DSC., Prince of Wales; Vice Admiral,
Sir John Hayes, KCB. OBE. RN., Repulse (President); Sir Geoffrey Hulton,
BT., Repulse; Surgeon. Lt. Commander, S. Hamilton, Repulse; S/Lieut. G. L.
Kipling, Prince of Wales; Commander J. Longworthy, Repulse; Lt. Commander,
E. R. Monaghan, Repulse; Commander, R. A. W. Poole, R.N., DSC., Repulse;
Captain D. G. Roome, RN., Prince of Wales; Lt. N. Twigge, RN., Repulse; Lt.
Commander, R. V. Ward, Prince of Wales
3) A Service in memory of
the men who lost their lives, whilst serving their King and Country, aboard
H.M.S. "Repulse" and H.M.S. "Prince of Wales", 10th December 1941.
4)
The World Famous Pig & Whistle Wine List
 
 
  
  
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1) 19th May 2007 H.M.S. Prince of Wales and
H.M.S. Repulse Survivors Association Memorial Service, Scarborough - There
are no roses on a sailors grave, No Lilies on an ocean wave, The only
tribute is the seagull's sweeps, And the tear drops that a loved one weeps.
2) Royal Fleet Club,
Plymouth, Devon Leaflet
3) 4th May 2003 The
Commemoration of the Battle of the Atlantic at Liverpool Cathedral -
Admission Card - Northern Ireland Branch, President: Col. H. J. Porter,
O.B.E., T.D., J.P., D.L. Chairman: T. McTeague. Vice-Chairman:
Wm. McMaster
4) 10th December 2002 A
Service of Prayer and Remembrance to commemorate the sinking of HMS Prince
of Wales and HMS Repulse at Liverpool Parish Church, Our Lady & St. Nicholas
'The Sailors' Church' - The Naval Prayer - The Royal Marines Prayer
 
  
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1) 10th December 2004 A Service to commemorate
the 63rd Anniversary of the sinking of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse
at Liverpool Parish Church, Our Lady & St. Nicholas 'The Sailors' Church'
2)
10th December 2006 A Service to commemorate the 65th
Anniversary of the sinking of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse at
Liverpool Parish Church, Our Lady & St. Nicholas 'The Sailors' Church' -
BRLC Presentation night 2006 In Fond Memory of Mrs. Jean Rowley & Mr. James
Rowley, MBE, Jean and James will always be remembered with great affection
by all at the unit. Their memory will continue with the annual presentation
of the Rowley cup for best cadet. (Photo I assume of Jean and James Rowley
as it was tucked inside the Order of Service.
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10th December 2007 A Service to commemorate the 66th
Anniversary of the sinking of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse at
Liverpool Parish Church, Our Lady & St. Nicholas 'The Sailors' Church'
4) 19th April 2008 A
Service in memory of the men who lost their lives, Whilst serving their King
and Country, aboard H.M.S. Repulse and H.M.S. Prince of Wales at Portsmouth
5) 99 Years of the Navy from Victoria to V.J. Day through three pairs of
eyes. Sam Morley
  
10th December 2001 A Service to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the
sinking of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse at Liverpool Parish Church,
Our Lady & St. Nicholas 'The Sailors' Church' - Photo of Changi Prison -
Group Photo
  
    
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1)
The Royal British Legion, Cregagh/Wandsworth Branch.
Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication of New Standard in The Parish Church
of St. John the Evangelist (Orangefield) Castlereagh Road, Belfast.
Sunday 10th March 1996 - As in previous years the Retired Officers will be
taking part in the parade. All Retired Officers are welcome to parade. If
you intend to parade could you please report to Havelock Mitchell on your
arrival. To enable us to make the relevant plans you need to be in position
at 10.30 am. The parade will be starting at 10.45 am and the Service
will be starting at 10.50am. If you are not taking part in the parade we
would ask that you take your position at the Garden of Remembrance at 10.45
am.
2)
HMS Prince of Wales; HMS Repulse Survivors Association
Annual Reunion Dinner H.M.S. Drake, Royal Naval Barracks, Devonport,
Saturday 11th May 1996 - HMS Prince of Wales; HMS Repulse
Survivors Association Annual Reunion Dinner The Carlton Cumberland Hotel,
Scarborough, Saturday 8th May 1999 - HMS Prince of Wales; HMS
Repulse Survivors Association Annual Reunion Dinner H.M.S. Drake, Royal
Naval Barracks, Devonport Saturday 13th May 2000 - HMS Prince of
Wales; HMS Repulse Survivors Association Annual Reunion Dinner The
Cumberland Hotel, Scarborough Saturday 19th May 2001 Mrs. M. McIvor
3)
January 2001 Force Z Survivors' Association - 28
of us met at the SS & A Club, Albury for our annual reunion on December 9th
and 10th 2000. We enjoyed the alphabetical company of Taffy Bowen [I
still don't know his Christian name], Bill Brannock who journeyed all the
way from Caloundra to join us for the first time, Frances & Harry Buswell,
Vera & Vin Cesari, Tom Cheshire, Bruce Cummings, Agnes & Frank Donovan,
Joyce Galbraith, Carla & Guy Griffiths, Betty & Bill Henshall, Ray James,
Joffre Peck, Una & Colin Pike, Bill Price, Ron Prince, Vera & Lloyd
Saltmarsh, Gladys & Arthur Temple, and Angus Walsh. Apologies.
Max Mahoney: Also a request from his daughter to delete Max from our mailing
list. Jack Allen [Repulse, WA]: His sight is failing. Ken &
Eileen Sharp. Doug Carmichael: His Parkinson's disease is slowly
taking over. Had another fall recently, and a spell in hospital. Max
Choat: Still has indifferent health; sent annual dues and a donation. Many
thanks. Joe & Eileen Snadden: Both have health problems, but both were
determined to come this year - had booked motel etc. Unfortunately, a very
late withdrawal. Sent dues and a donation. Many thanks. Eric &
Margaret Harrop [WA]. Floris Bloos: Our member from the Netherlands
Fleet Air Arm. His wife in hospital and destined for convalescence after
discharge. Sent dues and a donation. Many thanks. Ron Plumb.
Peter Paterson & Eric Noel [UK]. Noel & Teresa Chandler: Both are in
poor health. Vic Sotheren: Also a very late cancellation. Sent a
donation for the bar - many thanks. Denis Uren: Also sent dues plus a
donation for the bar - many thanks. All sent seasonal greetings and
best wishes for a successful reunion. Secretary: Ray James, Sycamore
Street, Hoppers Crossing.
   
 
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1) 80th Birthday Card - For my old friend Alan
from Gusty Spence Sat. 14th June 2003
2) The Black Horse Inn
3) Northern Ireland
Prison Service Carol Service St. Anne's Cathedral 9/10th December 2006/2007
4) Northern Ireland
Prison Service Central Benevolent Fund invite Mr. Alan McIvor & Family to
the Annual Memorial Service to be held at Prison Service College, Millisle
5) Smithills Coaching
House, Smithills Country Park, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton
 
 
 
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1) A Celebration of Ulster Scots, Order of
Proceedings, Welcome by the Mayor of Castlereagh, Councillor Mrs. Myreve
Chambers. Address to the Haggis; Toast to the Haggis; Grace; Dinner; Loyal
Toast; Gilnahirk Pipe Band (first set); Lucy Mulholland Scottish Dancers;
Session Folk; Ceilidh - Menu Cock-A-Leekie Soup; Haggis warm reeking, Served
with rich onion gravy & Champit Tatties; Bashed Neeps; Tipsy Laird; A Tassie
o' Coffee
2) Mr. & Mrs. A. McIvor,
Mount Merion Avenue, Belfast - Photo inside envelope
3) 7th April 2001 The
Burma Star Association 50th Anniversary Dinner hosted by North Down Borough
Council. The Kohima - When you go home, Tell them of us and say, For your
tomorrow, We gave our today. Geo. and Helen Davison, Station Road, Bangor;
Fred Day, Rosepark, Donaghadee; Elizabeth King, Cannyreagh Road, Donaghadee;
Kathy Briggs (Ross) Ballymacormick Avenue, Bangor - Welcome Cllr. A. C.
Chambers Mayor of North Down; Fallen Comrades The President Col. H. J.
Porter, O.B.E., T.D., J.P., D.L.; The Kohima The Mayor's Chaplain Rev. Roger
Purce; Life Vice Presidents: Vice-Adm. Sir Arthur R. Hezlet K.B.E., C.B.,
D.S.O., D.S.C., D.L.; Col. W. N. Brann O.B.E., E.R.D., D.L.; Major Robin
Reade M.C., E.R.D., D.L.; Padre: Rev. C. A. M. Meldrum M.B.E., C.D., T.D.,
J.P.
    
 
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1) 12th February 2003 Mr. J. J. Holsgrove, Hollybank Road, Birkenhead,
Merseyside - A Service to Commemorate the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS
Repulse - Dear Alan, My wife and I spoke to you at the above service at St.
Nicholas Sailors Church, 10th 12th 2002. We showed you a
photograph (I have enclosed a copy that you may keep) of some sixty three
sailors. [no photo like that came with this lot] you thought you
recognized some of them, plus yourself top left hand corner. My Dads
younger brother James Holsgrove Boy First Class, he is on the second row
down. Third from the right, James was lost on the Prince of Wales. Sis
you know him, or can you put names to any of the other sailors, and also can
you tell me where and when the photograph was taken, I can not quite make
out the name on their caps. I have also enclosed some information I
got from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. My dad told me many
years ago James joined the Royal Navy when he was sixteen, he lied about his
age so they would allow him to join up, so although records say he was
eighteen when he was lost at sea he must have been only seventeen. I
am sure lots of other young lads must done the same as James when they went
to join the navy during war, they all look so young God Bless Them All.
You may be interested to know, I have been reading a book called Sailors
Tales, by Alan Mathews about life onboard HMS Repulse, on page 189 there is
a picture of Royal Marine John Garner and Alan McIvor from HMS Prince of
Wales. We look forward to hearing from you Alan, with any information
you may remember, look after your self. Yours sincerely, Mary & James
Holsgrove
2) Alan Matthews, Stone Cottages, Marchwiel, Wrexham, North Wales - Dear
All, Enclosed find video tapes which cover most aspects of the life of your
old ship, the tape which covers the Atlantic Conference has been sent to you
by one John MacPherson as you can imagine he is "Scottish" and his Father
served with you on the "Prince of Wales" he was a marine: the tape which I
have compiled for you views like this:
1- Official Japanese Announcement of the Sinking of the ships:
2- About two minutes of the high level attack on Force "Z" it begins with
the planes actually searching for you and ends up with what I think is the
initial High Level attack on "Repulse":
3- My Father and four shipmates off "Repulse" being interviewed in Sydney in
February 1942, my Dad is identified by listening for the sailor which says
he is from "Wrexham" North Wales: the lad who you are trying to trace for us
is Mickey Andrews and he says that he is from Belfast:
4- About twenty minutes of home made film of the pilgramage service on
H.M.S. Sheffield in 1991: it was made by Pat Greenham who lost his father on
"Repulse" the elderly lady in the wheelchair is his mother, it is a very
emotional piece of film:
5- Two hours of the "Naval" video time capsules series, they are made by
Roland R. Smith, bloody horrible man to speak to but makes a good film:
6- The video "Burma The War in the Far East" really good tale:
Anyway hope you enjoy them all and we will see you both in Scarborough, take
care, and let me know what you think of them:
Alan
3) John (Jack) F. Williams, Naval Historian and Author of 'They Led The Way'
- The Fleet Minesweepers at Normandy (1994) 'The Algerines' - Fleet
Minesweepers of the Royal Navy 1942-61 (1995) 'Fleet Sweepers at War' -
Fleet Minesweepers of the RN 1939-45 (1997) Lytham Road, Blackpool,
Lancashire - Mr. Robert Clarke, Finner Walk, Newtownabbey - 23rd July 1998 -
Dear Nobby, As requested I enclose the summary of James Harvey's Service for
you to give to Mrs. Lily Houston Burrenway, Cregagh. Also returned is the
original sheet. I trust that this is what you wanted, but if there is
anything further that you want to know, please drop me a line. As I told you
there is really no cost, but if Mrs. Houston so wishes, if she makes a SMALL
donation to St. Dunstan's (the Ex-Service Blind Society), I'll be pleased to
pass it on. Kindest Regards, Yours sincerely, ?? = JAMES HARVEY, his
life and service in the Royal Navy 1905 - 1927. (d.o.b. 17 August 1886
4) B.D.V. Thomas Connolly; Ralph David Blackman; James Harvey; Ernest Edward
Warren; Robert Barnes; James Edmondson; David Edgar Evans; William Brodie
Graham; Alfred Hancock; Ralph Richardson Harker; Donald John MacLean;
John Robert Taylor MacLean; James William Richardson = Buried in
the U.K. - Arthur Leonard Warman; John Jehu; Richard Lionel Langridge; John
Brodie; H.M.S. Thomas Connolly, Trawler "Castle" Type.
5)
H.M.S. Prince of Wales & H.M.S. Repulse Survivors Ass., Alan McIvor,
Chairman - Bruce Hanson, Lockwood Scar, Newsome, Huddersfield - Dear Mr.
McIvor, I wonder if you could help me. I'm researching my family History and
have been told a distant relative was on the Repulse. Where can I get a copy
of Names and Hometowns of men who were serving when it went down. Yours
hopefully B. Hanson
 
 
 
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1)
10th July 2002 Lieutenant General Sir Alistair
Irwin KCB CBE Headquarters, Northern Ireland, British Forces Post
Office 825 Mr. Alan McIvor, Mount Merrion Avenue, Belfast. Dear
Mr. McIvor, I was delighted to have the chance to meet you at the City Hall
on Monday 1st July. I have obtained your address from the Royal Naval
Association and I hope you do not mind if I write to you. Although I
am an Army officer I have always had an interest in Naval affairs and I was
fascinated to meet a member of the ship's company of HMS Prince of Wales.
I would love to hear more about your experiences, but only of course if you
would be prepared to speak about them. What I suggest is that you came
here for tea one day. And if you did not mind I might ask someone to
rake notes and perhaps have a Royal Naval officer present as well. I
am quite certain that the Navy would be delighted to have a note of your
experiences - and so too would I. I will ask my ADC, Captain Geoff
Lockett (whom you also met that day) to call you in a week or two to see
whether you would be able to come and to fix a day, probably after the
Summer holidays. I shall hope very much to meet you again. Yours
sincerely (Alistair Irwin)
2)
10th December 2005 - Liverpool Parish Church, Our Lady
& St. Nicholas (The Sailor's Church) - A service to commemorate the sinking
of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse. The service was well attended
by survivors, relatives, friends, and many retired ship workers from Cammell
Laird Shipyard. On January 1st 1937 The first keep plates of one of
the most powerful battleships in the world was laid in an impressive
ceremony held in the Cammell Laird Shipyard at a cost of Seven Million
Pounds. Within six weeks of delivery to the Royal Navy the 35,000 ton
battleship took part in the action which eventually destroyed the German
Battleship Bismarck. The Prince of Wales achieved distinction of a
different kind for it was aboard her in Mid Atlantic that Winston Churchhill
and FD Roosevelt signed the Atlantic Charter. On the morning of
December 1st 1941 a Royal Navy Task Force arrived at the Naval Base of
Singapore including HMS Prince of Wales & HMS Repulse with an escort
of five destroyers. Their arrival gave some considerable comfort to
the local population. Just a few days later on December 7th after the
surprise attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbour Japan declared was on
Britain a Japanese invasion of Malaya was now imminent. On December
8th The Prince of Wales, the Repulse and their escorts left Singapore in
search of the invasion fleet. Unfortunately after being spotted by a
lone Japanese reconnaissance plane the ultimate fate of the two great
warships was sealed. December 10th 1941 would prove to be one of the
most disastrous days ever to be experiences in the long history of the Royal
Navy. In less than two hours following the first attack out two great
ships disappeared beneath the waves with the loss of 900 men. The
loses would have been far greater only for the fact that the Japanese pilots
did not interfere with the destroyers picking up hundreds of survivors.
Every year for the past 64 years a service has been held to commemorate the
sinking of HMS Prince of Wales & HMS Repulse. Rev. John Williams MBE
conducted the service. The address given by Captain Colin Lee OBE.
Especially poignant the lighting of the candle used at the first service 64
years ago. A tiny light to brighten the beautiful Sailors Church, to
remember all those who gave their lives in the service of their country.
The laying of wreathes by two survivors HMS Prince of Wales Alan
McIvor; HMS Repulse Ted Matthews. The Irish Guards Choir always
a joy to hear sang 'Be Still' 'Steal Away' and 'Abide with me'.
K. W. Radcliffe a local artist presented a painting of the Battle to the
church which will be displayed at every commemorative service. An
outstanding service a worthy tribute to our brave sailors. Barbara
Minister The Wirral.
3)
13th August 2005 Shearings Holiday Hotels Mr. &
Mrs. M. McIvor, Mount Merton Avenues, Belfast - Dear Mr. & Mrs. McIvor,
H.M.S. Prince of Wales & H.M.S. Repulse Reunion Friday 21sy to Monday
24th April 2006.
4) BBC - Everyone knows a
World War Two story.
5) Northern Ireland
Prison Service Carol Service at St. Anne's Cathedral 11th December 2005 -
Invite Mr. Alan McIvor & Family to the Annual Memorial Service to be held at
Prison Service College, Millisle 11th November 2005
6)
H.M.S. Hood sunk by the Bismarck 24th May 1941
 
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1) White Ensign Towel - About Ensigns
2) One Year of Life, The
Story of H.M.S. Prince of Wales by Alan and Gordon Franklin
3) The Navy List 1957
4) Watson's Shankill
Characters -
There's a place they call "the Shankill" in the City of Belfast,
A million tales are daily told, of its present and its past;
They talk of all its heroes, and names roll off the tongue,
Its history passed before my eyes when asked "did I know Joe Young".
I thought back fifty years or more, when I was barely
four,
My mother took me by the hand, I was left at St. Lukes School door,
And that is where it all began, for the kid from Morpeth Street,
I hope you'll walk with me awhile and some Characters we'll meet.
There was the uncrowned King called Warnock, the daddy
of them all,
And gentlemanly Armour, his left hook made them fall,
Harry Baird of Linfield, Shirley Temple of Celtic too,
and a thousand other back street stars, as varied as Irish Stew.
You must have heard of Weatherall, the one of "Stormy"
roots,
At the famous College on the Lisburn Road, to his friends I delivered boots,
And later on they went to War, to beat the fearsome Hun,
Their Borstal days were soon forgot, when Hitler was on the run.
And what about Ronnie Irvine, a Windie Cleaner of
Renoun,
He walks around in natty suits all about the town,
Good old Tommy Gibson who stood at the long bar,
If the kindly "Gibby" was here today, he'd be a T.V. Star.
"Gibby" was a Character, the greatest of them all,
with Charlie Graham and Jakey Kane, they must have had a ball,
They dressed as priests and China men, and ould dolls from Malone,
Up to all their mischief, really on their own.
There's the Legends of the 29th Townsend Streets
famous four,
Simpson, Kennedy, Cummins and not least Jimmie Moore,
The times I went to Bangor, never cost a Bean,
Wee Albert Wallace who brought me there, was from a Street called Aberdeen.
I often think of Billy Lyons, and his famous first
Flute Band,
And kindly Tomy Johnston, who took us by the hand,
But Molly won't forgive me if I don't mention Bobby Haire,
Then there's Joker Andrews and "Gunner" Hayes, another well know pair.
Famous spokesmen on the road, McQuade and Boyd were
ours,
S.I. Nixon and Tommy Henderson who talked for twenty hours,
Not forgetting Rab McCartney, a big man of the Cloth,
He has to get a mention for his speciality "Broth".
And what of Ernie Porter, Wally Turtle and his horse
and cart,
They're truly a living legend, never far apart,
And what about Artie Patrick of horse and doggie fame,
Along with Big Geordie Fulton, a special Shankill name.
And you've heard of Roy Stewart whose first fight was
in the Ulster Hall,
He got a quick dispension? for kicking his opponent in the stalls,
And his long time friend Pinky Beckett, with his flying Pony and trap,
If "Ben Hur" had been born on the Shankill, Pinky would've given him a
start.
Joey Green and Arthur are in this Hall of Fame,
And a Tom Boy girl with long fair hair whose name was Irene Blaine,
Megarrys, Grahams, Calderwoods, families of Renoun,
"Cocky" Morrow, who played the Lambeg Drum and also "Bulliver Brown"
(there was only this one page, it feels like
there should be more)
5) The Only Place For Me -
I'll speak to you of Belfast, stranger, if you want to know,
So listen, and I'll tell you why I love this city so ...
BELFAST ... is an Ulsterman, with features dour and grim,
It's a pint of creamy porter, a Sunday morning hymn,
A steaming pasty supper, or vinegar with peas,
A little grimy café where they'll serve for 'farmhouse' teas,
A banner on July the Twelfth, a sticky toffee apple,
An ancient little Gospel Hall, a Roman Catholic chapel,
A Telly boy with dirty face, a slice of apple tart,
A fry upon a Saturday, hot 'coal-breek' on a cart,
A Corporation gas-man, complete with bowler hat,
A wee shop on a corner with a friendly bit of chat,
An oul' lad in a duncher, a woman in a shawl,
A pinch of snuff, a tatie farl, a loyal Orange Hall,
A tobacco smell in York Street, a bag of 'yella man',
An Easter egg that's dyed in whin, a slice of Ormo pan,
A youngster with some sprickly-begs inside a wee jam-jar,
A meeting at the Custom House, an old Victorian bar,
Mud-banks on the Lagan when the tide is running low,
A man collecting 'refuse', bonfires in Sandy Row,
A bag of salty dullis, a bowl of Irish stew,
And goldfish down in Gresham Street, a preacher at a queue,
A portrait of King Billy upon a gable wall,
A flower-seller on a stool outside the City Hall,
A half-moon round a doorstep, a 'polisman' on guard,
A pedlar crying 'Delph for Regs!' a little whitewashed yard ...
And there's your answer, stranger, and now I'm sure
you'll see
Why Belfast is the only place in all the world for me.
1-6-07 Mrs. Iris Thomas, Elgin Avenue, Romford - Dear Molly & Alan,
Here are the photos as promised, hope you like them - good looking group
aren't they? Hope you arrived home safely with no mishaps. We had a
good drive down, stopped for a snack and no rain until we were nearly here.
Tomorrow we have the wedding to look forward to so hope its a nice day like
to-day. It was a lovely week-end wasn't it? Shall look forward
to seeing you again, till then, all the best. Iris xx Regards from Sue &
John xx
 
 
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1)
30th July 2007 Belfast to Mrs. Molly McIvor & Family -
My Dear Molly, It is with very deep regret that I learned of the death of
your beloved Husband Alan, a dear Friend I had the pleasure and privilege to
know for many years and would offer my most profound condolences to you and
the Family Circle at his sorrowful time for you all. Death is one of
those tragic events which each of us expects at some stage in all our lives,
yet when it comes even after prolonged illness, you cannot accept it for the
hurt and sorrow it inflicts upon the nearest and dearest, the family home
and all who are bereaved. It leaves a void in the family circle, and
in the hearts of those who are left to grieve. But when you care so much for
someone who leaves this earth, then you continue to love them even though
there is not a bodily person to whom you can physically express that love.
We cannot and should not alter our feelings as quickly as life and death can
change the world and in this instance cause such pain and bring such despair
to your doorstep. Remember the good times and the life that you all
enjoyed together and these will be the everlasting memories, which can never
be erased, even though the parting and the future ahead will be painful. I
trust perhaps some comfort and succour will be felt by yourselves and the
Family Circle, through my utmost sincerity that:- 'At this
sorrowful and inconsolable time for you Molly and the wider Family Circle,
please be assured with the knowledge that is a world full of darkness, you
can reach out your hand and know it will be held by a friend, for there are
friends all around'. Words of comfort are difficult to express in
print but my earnest prayer is that the Good Lord will grant you all
sufficient understanding to overcome the great personal loss which you are
experiencing at this time. I must also humbly apologise and trust you
will accept my non-appearance at Alan's final journey on Thursday morning
and will not detract from the esteem and the sincerity in which I valued his
friendship. As a Lodge Officer I am to be my Lodge's representative at
the funeral for the Wife of a fellow Brother that day. Hopefully I will
speak to you in the near future and be able to offer my personal
condolences. May God bless you all, Yours, most truly. Ed Spence
36th Ulster Division
2) Barclay Close, Fulham
Road, London - Dear Molly, Our hearts go out to you - we send our deepest
sympathy at your great loss. We have only just learned of the pass
over of Allan. We are so sorry & shocked - indeed stunned. We were
only speaking of him just a few days ago. He was such a great fella. He
seemed to be one of those people who would go on forever. He was liked by
everyone and did a great deal for the Association. He will be sorely missed.
We wish you all our best. Bear up dear Molly. Charlie & Margaret xx
3) 29/10/2007 (the
website listed seems to be obsolete now)
In Memoriam Alan McIvor pictured here on the right (with his friend
and shipmate John Garner) - It is with great sadness that I recently
announced on our website of the death of Alan McIvor. I had the honour and
pleasure of knowing Alan for more than ten years. He had many traits that
made him unique: a devilish sense of humour: absolute sincerity, coupled
with him also being one of the warmest and most welcoming persons I ever had
the privilege to know. In 1997 I wrote a small article for Saga
magazine - 'The Death of Force Z' Alan's account of the sinking of Prince of
Wales was breathtaking but, in keeping with his humble nature, it was all
matter of fact. Indeed, when interviewing him I had to keep reminding myself
that this old 'fella' had taken part in one of WW2's most pivotal battles
and here he was talking as though it was another day at the office. I
have lost many great friends from the association over recent years - the
ravages of age has no exceptions - Alan was one of my closest. I will
miss him immensely. My thoughts are with his wife Molly and their family at
this moment in time. It is perhaps fitting to end this epitaph by
reciting a poem taken from Bert Wynn's memoirs 'Shadows of the Ensign'
(which is on our site). In keeping with the theme of this tribute I very
much doubt whether later generations will ever be able fill the footsteps of
men such as Alan. Alan Matthews, Chairman, Prince of Wales and Repulse
Survivors Association. 'Reflections from Guzz'. - Once I looked from
the Tamar Bridge at the warships down below, ships of the modern navy with
names I did not know. And, as I stood and gazed at them on the water far
below, I saw a fleet of phantom ships and men of long ago. The Rodney
and the Nelson, the Valiant and Ramilies, Repulse, Renown and Malaya, coming
home from foreign seas. I saw Revenge and Warspite, ill-fated Royal Oak, so
many ships, their names made faint by shell and fire and smoke. And
some I see to harbour come as thro glasses dark, the Barham and the
Glorious, the Eagle and the Ark, and then, there comes the greatest, the
mighty warship Hood, dark and grey and wraithlike, from the spot on which I
stood. From the cruel North Atlantic, from the Med and Java sea, the
big ships and the little ships returned for me to see. There's the
Dorsetshire, Edinburgh, Campbeltown and Kent, the Cossack, and Courageous,
the Charybdis and Ardent. Now I can't see very clearly, must be smoke
that's in my eyes, but mercifully hidden are the men and stilled, their
raucous cries. You don't know Shorty Hasset, he won the D.S.M. He
still fought on when Exeter was burning stern to stem. Where now ...!
Dodger Long and Lofty, where now the boys and men? They are lost and gone
forever-shall we see their likes again? I thought I saw them mustering on
deck for daily prayer, and heard 'For those in Peril' rise on the evening
air. Then darker grew the picture as the lowering night came on, I
looked down from that lofty bridge, but all the ships were gone. Those
mighty ships had vanished; gone those simple men, we'll surely never-ever,
see the likes of them again. (Acknowledgements to 'Rodney Buzz')
Rest in Peace
4) HMS Prince of Wales
crew M N O - Crew members are listed alphabetically, select the first letter
of the crewmen's surname. Names listed in capital letters were aboard during
the sinking, (irrelevant as sheets printed in black)
names in red died, names in black survived. Names
listed in Navy Blue were known to have died after the sinking of Force Z or
were prisoners of war under the Japanese (POW L
- lived; POW F - Fatality) - (I'm only going to list names here, for rank
and comments click images above) - M - Francis E. Mabin; Roderick
Mackenzie; Edward D. Mackie; John Macmillan; John MacMillan; Walter Maden;
Thomas John Magahy; Eugene Maher; Owen Felix Mahoney; Michael John Herbert
Major; Thomas Maloney; Gilbert Manley; Jeremiah Manley; William L. Mann;
Stanley Mannell; Peter Manning; Norman Leonard Mansfield; W. K. Mantle; Eric
Harry Marchant; Charles Margison; Frederick J. Marks; John Marley; Frederick
Marlow; Desmond Marr; Clifford H. Marriman; Alfred W. T. Marsh; Frederick J.
Marsh; John Marsh; Geoffrey G. Marshall; George Marshall; Leslie Marshall;
Francis John Martin; Frederick J. Martin; William Martin; Victor Martlew;
Hubert Mason; William Frederick Charles Masters; John Mathews; Percy
Mathews; Robert Matthews; Wallace R. Mays; John McAuley; Hugh McBride;
Patrick Joseph McBride; James McCall; William Chester McCameron; George
McCheyne; Robert McClintock; Hamilton McClurg; Samuel McCormick; Edward S.
McCrkell (McCorkell); John Augustus McCullagh; Donald S. McCuster; Donald
McDonald; Bernard McDermott; Francis Gerrard McElhill; Edward F. McEwen;
Samuel McGarry; Charles Gilbert McGrath; Herbert H. McGrath; Leonard
McGregor; Robert McGregor; James Edward McGuinness; Peter McIntyre; Allan
McIvor; Edward McKay; John McKenzie; John Barrie McKenzie; Gerard McKeown;
Harold Joseph McKinley; Kenneth Stanley McKirley; James McLaren; Frederick
McLaughlan; Harold McLean; Samuel McLean; James McLennan; David McManus;
George McMeekin; Robert McMerran; James R. McMinns; Colin William McMullen;
Francis Frank McNamara; William McNeill; James DSM NcNelis; John Watson
McPherson; John Richard McSparron (McSparrow?); John McNaught Dickson McVean;
John McWilliam; Frederick Mercer; Simon P. Merifield; Percy L. V. Merrett;
Edgar Merrills; Jack Mattrick; Leonard Mewse; Edward A. Midgley; Wilfred
Milber; Richard Mill; George Millar; James Millar; Peter J. W. H. Millar;
Robert Robinson Millar; Charles Terence Miller; Frederick James Miller;
James Brown Miller Kelly; Ronald F. Millman; Arthur Mills; David Henry
Mills; Ernest E. Mills; Robert Mills; William H. Mills; James Milne; Herbert
Minnett; John 'Jackie' Mitchell; Stanley J. Mitchell; Thomas Curran Moffat;
William Ronald Mogridge (McGridge?); Thomas Monk; Frank Montague; George
Mooney; James Mooreling; Kenneth Howard William Morgan; Arthur Morley;
Leonard Morley; Richard Morris; ohn (John?) Morrison; Frederick Charles
Morton; George W. Morton; Henry Vollam Morton; Robert Morton; William Moss;
Stafford George Moth; William C. Moulding; R. B. Muir; Thomas Mulcare;
Arthur Alfred Mundy; Edward William Lionel Murch; Theodore Edward Murch;
William J. Murch; Francis Sydney Murfin; Leonard D. Murley; Charles George
Albert Murphy; J. A. Murray. N - Arthur Michael Nagle; Cecil
Diss Nankivell; Norman Nation; Brynley Thomas Nelmes; Nelson; Jack Neville;
Charles Newman; Harry C. Nicholas; Frederick Nicholson; George William
Barlett Nicholson; Austin Nilen; Eric L. Noel; John Edward Noon; Hilary
Norman; John Thomas Norsworthy; Charles P. O. Northcott; R. Northey; Derek
Norton; John P. Norton; Joseph Albert Nye -
O - James Oakes;
Harry S. Oatley; William T. O'Brien; William Terence O'Brien; James
O'Connor; Leonard O'Connor; Sean Charles O'Donnell; George Edward
O'Donoghue; Michael O'Donovan; Cornelius O'Driscoll; Ernest Richard Offen;
James O'Grady; William E. O'Hare; Donald F. O'Leary; Gilbert N. Oliver;
William Openshaw; Thomas Osborne; Frederick W. Osbourne; John Victor
O'Shaughnessy; Edward Owen; Goronwy Wynne Owen; Johns Owens; Ernest H.
Oxley.
 
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1)
H.M.S. Prince of Wales & H.M.S. Repulse Survivors Association
Reunion Scarborough 25th - 28th April 1997 (Signatures)
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1) Lest We Forget - In memory of the men who lost their lives whilst serving
their King and Country aboard H.M.S. 'Repulse' & H.M.S. 'Prince of Wales'
10th December 1941 - It's only half a century, it's only fifty years; it's
only a lifetime of memories, it's only an ocean of tears; but fifty years is
a long time, and memories never die; so we return after fifty years, to say
our final 'goodbye' Goodbye dear Shipmates, Goodbye old
friends; We're here to let you know, that we never did forget you, you're
with us where e'er we go; we lived to tell the story, that you never died in
vain, and now we return, after fifty years, to say 'goodbye' once again.
Goodbye dear friends on the 'Prince of Wales', to the great 'Repulse' -
farewell; will the lifetime you lost ever be returned, they say - 'only time
will tell'; Yes, fifty years is a long, long time, but memories never die,
so we return after fifty years, to say our final 'goodbye'. Composed
by David McGrath
2)
Ulster Defence Regiment 1970 - 1992 - As poppy petals
gently fall, Remember us who gave our all, Not in the mud of foreign lands,
Nor buried neath the desert sands. In Ulster field and farm and town,
Fermanagh's lanes and drumlin'd Down, We died that violent death should
cease, And Ulstermen might live in peace. We did not serve because we
hate, Nor bitterness our hearts dictate, But we were they who must aspire,
To quench the flame of terror's fire. Grieve not for us, but this we
ask, Let others yet take up the task.
      
The Cremation of Sam McGee.
There are strange things done in the midnight sun, By
the men who moil for gold;
The Arctic trails have their secret tales, That would make your blood run
cold;
The Northern Lights have seen queer sights, But the queerest they ever did
see,
Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge I cremated Sam McGee.
(ok I won't type this all out, click images above
to see 'why' Sam McGee was cremated)
the end
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