A Tribute to the Merchant Navy

"A Tribute to the Merchant Navy" 

McAdam September 1942 

I fain would speak of a breed of men

Who plow the Seven Seas,

Whose lives are spent in ceaseless toil, 

Who scorn the word appease!

Who, since this Armagedon broke

Upon a peaceful world,

Have worked and toiled and fought and died

To keep our flag unfurled.

North & South and East & West

These heroes giving all,

Have faced the dangers of the deep

In answer to a call !

Torpedoes, mines and bombs and shells

They've treated with disdain,

And fought as only men will fight

Who strike in Honour's name !

The horror of the wintry seas

In weather foul and wild,

Has seen their courage undismayed

Their manhood risen high !!

Thirst and hunger's been their lot

But still they fought the seas,

And weak and helpless called to Christ

To end their agony.

Yes some have lived to tell a tale

Of Gallant deeds sublime,

And some have died that we might live,

A memory we enshrine.

They Crossed the Bar with smiling face,

A sense of duty done,

Their course well run, their life's work o'er

A Victors Crown well won.

And in a land beyond all seas

In a harbour all serene,

Great Evening Star whose Light afar,

Shewed them Eternity !!

Full sacrifice has been their lot,

They faced the test most bravely,

Come ! Light away! our debt repay

To the men of the Merchant Navy.