Model Boat Mayhem

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Author Topic: Shedding tears 67 years later  (Read 3078 times)

flyte

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Shedding tears 67 years later
« on: December 14, 2016, 07:25:10 pm »

Just had a bit of a "moment", I was rummaging about on old posts and came across a model soon to be for sale (back in 2007). It was the HMS Royal Oak, a beautiful ship and a beautiful model by the looks of it. I knew the name and the story behind it very well, my uncle went down with her and lost his life.

I remember many years ago coming across old photo's and a medal belonging to him, it didn't really stir much emotion as he had died 16 years before I was born, it was hard to relate too except for finding respect for him and his comrades. I also remember watching a memorial ceremony some years ago and reading about the sinking, but still it had little effect, just another story of lives long since lost.

Today was different, I suppose as you get older you get tougher in many ways, but inside you can just as fragile as the little boy you were on his first day at school, and things take you by surprise.

I looked at that model for a while and remembered the tales about my Uncle, how he liked a drink, how loved to dance, and how he loved the girls, suddenly for the first time it became real to me. I went onto Google and found old photos and more of the wreck, I found myself crying like a child. My wife walked into the room and panicked thinking something had happened, I could hardly speak through the tears but managed to point at the screen and and get the words out...."Royal Oak".

She knew then what was wrong, her arms went round me and I cried even more, she kissed me on the cheek and whispered "silly old sod", I looked at her and smiled and realised how lucky I am.
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JayDee

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Re: Shedding tears 67 years later
« Reply #1 on: December 14, 2016, 07:56:49 pm »

Hello flyte.

Reading your post brought a tear to my eyes !.

John.  :-))
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flyte

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Re: Shedding tears 67 years later
« Reply #2 on: December 14, 2016, 08:16:34 pm »

Thank God its not just me  :} passes you a tissue .....
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nemesis

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Re: Shedding tears 67 years later
« Reply #3 on: December 14, 2016, 08:19:42 pm »

You develop your compassion as you get older. nemesis
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JayDee

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Re: Shedding tears 67 years later
« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2016, 08:46:13 pm »

Hello,

I think we all have upsetting, painful memories buried deep in our minds, covered over by nice pleasant ones, which keep the others at bay.
Then, something will burst the bubble and the painful ones come roaring up to the top - hence the tears.
Thats how we Humans are, much better to shed a tear or two, than to suppress them completely.
Crying does not have an age limit !!.

John.
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Capt Podge

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Re: Shedding tears 67 years later
« Reply #5 on: December 14, 2016, 10:54:22 pm »

By strange coincidence I'm just over half way through reading a book, called BLACK SATURDAY by Alexander McKee, which is about the loss of Royal Oak .

Regards,

Ray.


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BFSMP

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Re: Shedding tears 67 years later
« Reply #6 on: December 14, 2016, 11:03:31 pm »


By strange coincidence I'm just over half way through reading a book, called BLACK SATURDAY by Alexander McKee, which is about the loss of Royal Oak .

Regards,

Ray.


a brilliant book. read it many years ago, and I still remember poignantly the chapter about the rescue of some of the survivors by the drifter in the harbour called Daisey, and the crew of the Royal Oak singing the old song Daisey Daisey to keep their spirits up whilst waiting to be rescued from the icey waters of the Flow.


Jim.
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Capt Podge

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Re: Shedding tears 67 years later
« Reply #7 on: December 14, 2016, 11:10:43 pm »

You have a good memory then Jim - just finished reading that part last night - back with it tonight at bedtime, along with a couple o' whiskies of course. A silent salute to all who served in her, and the skipper and crew of the drifter DAISY II. :-))

Regards,

Ray.
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flyte

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Re: Shedding tears 67 years later
« Reply #8 on: December 14, 2016, 11:31:44 pm »

Thank you guys for your comments, it's a strange old world to be sure, I'll see if I can get a copy of that book. I'm the only one left now from the old family, it seems fitting I pay my respects in some way, perhaps a little trip is needed.
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Capt Podge

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Re: Shedding tears 67 years later
« Reply #9 on: December 14, 2016, 11:36:39 pm »

flyte - PM me your details and I'll send the book on to you.

Regards,

Ray.
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Buccaneer

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Re: Shedding tears 67 years later
« Reply #10 on: December 15, 2016, 06:31:24 pm »

How nicely put Jay Dee, flyte and nemesis. Even more poignant as I have just read regiment's reminder about the Lifeboat Solomon Browne.

John
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flyte

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Re: Shedding tears 67 years later
« Reply #11 on: December 15, 2016, 07:34:01 pm »

What a lovely thing to do, sending you a message now Ray !
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spearfish99

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Re: Shedding tears 67 years later
« Reply #12 on: December 15, 2016, 07:36:38 pm »

   Many years ago, I got a job in the NHS. My boss was a great guy, ex RN Lt. Commander and a very "hunting, shooting , fishing" sort of chap.

  One day, on a trip to another office we got talking about his time in the Navy, which he didn't normally mention. He casually mentioned that he had been a junior deck officer on the Royal Oak and on the night of its sinking he was on duty and above deck. As it sank , he simply stepped overboard and swam away until picked up by a picket boat.  Apparently at that point he decided life in the Navy could be a bit dangerous and so for a quiet life, he volunteered for and served the rest of the war in submarines!!
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flyte

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Re: Shedding tears 67 years later
« Reply #13 on: December 21, 2016, 06:26:04 pm »

Had a very welcome surprise visit from Ray today, he dropped off the book as promised and I'm just about to start reading.

Thank you Ray.
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Capt Podge

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Re: Shedding tears 67 years later
« Reply #14 on: December 21, 2016, 11:02:50 pm »

No problem. If I happen upon anything else about Royal Oak I'll get it to you.

Hope the read helps you to understand the incident more clearly  :-))

Regards,

Ray.
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Rob47

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Re: Shedding tears 67 years later
« Reply #15 on: December 23, 2016, 05:08:34 pm »


All of you incredible posts, and brought a lump to my throat.




And in that vein, Seasons greeting to you all and to all our service men and lasses


Bob
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Grumpy Dave

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Re: Shedding tears 67 years later
« Reply #16 on: December 27, 2016, 09:29:18 pm »

The run up to Christmas makes a lot of us 3rd agers a bit reflective, times and people past. My Gran once said 'The sad thing is I don't have anyone left to tell things to.' She was 100 at the time. Any day you wake up is a good day!
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