Boys Young Enough to Die for their Country?

Whilst wandering around "Old Portsmouth" I spotted a group of standard bearers preparing to enter the Cathedral for a special service. Regarding the photo, to me this is a reminder that for some, conflict and the loss of comrades is never forgotten.

Royal Navy Boys Memorial

A little known fact for many is that during 1939 - 1945, 534 "Boy Sailors" aged 16 & 17 years old were killed in action whilst serving their country in the Royal Navy. I don't wish this post to be about the values & morals of 16 & 17 year old boys being placed in the line of fire. 1939 - 1945 is a lifetime away and whether we like it or not things were different.

However, these boys gave their lives so that freedom could be maintained for ourselves today. And often we forget the ultimate sacrifice that many make in the service of our country. The members of two Royal Navy Veteran Associations, H.M.S Vincent & H.M.S Ganges, did not forget.

On Sunday 18th 2012, a dedication service was held at Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral to remember these boy heroes. For some attending, the memories of friends lost are as painful now as they were decades ago. As one member commented:

""I have a lot to thank the Royal Navy for and their Naval Boy's Training. It set me on a path of life I will never forget or regret. There were many boys like me who entered this "career", but, unlike me, never achieved their potential in life. These boys were cut down before ever making the grade of
Ordinary Seaman at the age of 18 years."

What role can we all play?
WE MUST NEVER FORGET...........