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Post by John Parry on Oct 22, 2007 14:38:06 GMT -5
Trafalgar Day - when we drink a toast to Nelson and the Queen (sitting down of course!).
Just a note about the post I'm putting up to celebrate the occasion. I've called it "Silent Poem" because I don't know any Englishmen (sorry Paul!) who can read it aloud.
It was written by Robert Nathan - strangely, an American (it's OK - I've translated the worst of his spelling!). But he got the mood exactly right, and it fires an arrow into my heart at least.
Regards - John
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PeterW
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Post by PeterW on Oct 22, 2007 17:10:42 GMT -5
The arrow hit my heart too. And raised a lump in my throat. Godammit, John, you made me proud of my English heritage, and proud of my seafaring ancestors.
I can't go back as far as Drake, but my great-great-Grandfather James Wallage (born 1779) was bosun of The Revenge, one of Nelson's Ships of the Line at Trafalgar. He served more than 30 years in the RN under sail before his health failed and he was pensioned off at Greenwich at the age of 50. A tough, hard life.
His son Thomas joined him on The Revenge at the age of 12 as a Boy Second Class and rose to become Master's Assistant before leaving the RN in 1840 to join the Honourable East India Comany's Navy as a gunnery officer, and eventually commanded the Company's most well-known gunship The Nemesis in the Indian Ocean, Malay Straits and South China Sea defending our once far-flung Empire, as I think you already know ...
... and I went and joined the RAF. James and Thomas must have rotated!
It's only once a year, so yesterday, Trafalgar Day October 21, I raised my glass to Nelson, and for the Loyal Toast.
This royal throne of kings, this scepter'd isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall,
Or as a moat defensive to a house,
Against the envy of less happier lands,
This blessed plot,
This earth,
This realm,
This England.
(Shakespeare, Richard II, written circa 1597)
PeterW
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Post by John Parry on Oct 22, 2007 18:14:56 GMT -5
Yes Peter
Last night of the Proms, Trafalgar Day, we get a chance to think about these things. When I was at sea, I always set sail from "the Sceptered Isle'. Probably the wrong mind set for this day and age, but I don't care!!
Regards - John
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Post by Rachel on Oct 23, 2007 6:46:14 GMT -5
"Stiff Upper Lip" chaps but I know what you both mean and feel. Here too.
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Post by nikonbob on Oct 23, 2007 7:55:44 GMT -5
John
Now I understand why you posted the poem. I had completely forgotten Trafalgar Day, sorry to say. It was celebrated in our navy too. I am sure more than a few people "spliced the main brace" to celebrate the occasion. Nothing wrong with your mind set from where I sit.
Bob
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Post by doubs43 on Oct 23, 2007 11:55:41 GMT -5
There are events in every nation's history that should never be forgotten and all too often are. Trafalgar is one such event and every Englishman's back should straighten and chest expand at the memory of those brave souls on that day. I've always found the courage of the soldiers at Rourk's Drift an inspiration. "It was written by Robert Nathan - strangely, an American" Lots of Americans are strange, John. I'm sure glad that I'm normal.  Walker |
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Post by kiev4a on Oct 23, 2007 13:44:28 GMT -5
"Britons Never, never, never shall be slave."
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Post by John Parry on Oct 23, 2007 15:11:25 GMT -5
Walker,
I said 'strangely' because I wouldn't have thought an American would have captured the thoughts in the poem. Well done to him for it anyway.
As a male Brit - one of our all-time favourite films is "Zulu". But the general who received news of the medals that were handed out was disgusted - They were cornered like rats in a trap - weren't they expected to fight for their lives? And then some bloody Welshman started singing....
Sorry Paul - I don't agree with the general !!
Regards - John
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Post by kiev4a on Oct 23, 2007 15:25:37 GMT -5
Zulu is my ALL TIME favorite film. One of Michael Caine's first starring roles.
Of course I also like
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled;
Here once the embattled farmers stood;
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps,
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream that seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone,
That memory may their deeds redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit who made those freeman dare
To die, and leave their children free,—
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raised to them and Thee.
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Post by doubs43 on Oct 23, 2007 17:35:01 GMT -5
Walker, I said 'strangely' because I wouldn't have thought an American would have captured the thoughts in the poem. Well done to him for it anyway. As a male Brit - one of our all-time favourite films is "Zulu". But the general who received news of the medals that were handed out was disgusted - They were cornered like rats in a trap - weren't they expected to fight for their lives? And then some bloody Welshman started singing.... Sorry Paul - I don't agree with the general !! Regards - John John, although Kipling wrote about the British "Tommy", I think he captured the soul of all foot soldiers and their lot. Our nations have a lot more in common than many realize. I agree with you; the General was daft. The British soldiers didn't have to defend Rourk's Drift. They could have abandoned it...... but they didn't. They did what was expected of them and to belittle their courage is, IMO, disgusting on the General's part. I've seen "Zulu" many times and will no doubt watch it again. I have it on DVD now but my original copy was from BBC on VHS tape that I copied one afternoon. Walker |
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