Next in sequence         Previous in sequence       Home         Pastel index

Sailor
J.H. Shears, Leading Seaman (from London)

On which ship did his duty put him? Did he spend the long months patiently hunting submarines? Did he see the pure lines of Gallipoli rise up in the golden light? In Jutland, did he see the enemy squadrons scatter at the thunder of English shells? Did he assist at the grand apotheosis, on the day which left an indelible mark on the honour of the navy and carried the pride of the British ensign so high? Did he see all the battleships pass in front of him, all the cruisers, all the enemy torpedo boats, with their guns intact, their holds topped up, fully crewed, who came to surrender without a fight? Vision of war, vision of glory, in which the greatest maritime nation will forever delight and retains for those who were actors or witnesses enduring pride.