Crossed the Bar

[DeepSea]

Bert Bale, one of the National Merchant Navy Association’s Vice Presidents and former Chairman of the Newport Branch of the MNA, crossed the bar early this morning.

[Keith at Tregenna]

Crossing the Bar by Alfred Lord Tennyson:

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.

The Chairman of MN (Wales) Barry Branch has been informed and will inform all officers, all members will be told at the monthly meeting this Wendesday. I will ensure that MN (Wales) are also informed:

The Merchant Association (Wales) Barry Branch:

Further tribute will follow regarding our Ship mate, Bert Bale, one of the National Merchant Navy Association’s Vice Presidents and former Chairman of the Newport Branch of the MNA'

All thoughts are with Bert, his family and friends.

For Other Seafarers We pray, O God for all seafarers as they fulfil the duties and face the dangers of their calling: the officers and men of the Merchant Navy; the Royal Fleet Auxiliary; the keepers of lighthouses and crews of lightships and weatherships; the pilots of our ports; all who carry out the services of docks and harbours; and those who man lifeboats and guard our coasts. Grant them your strength and protection and keep them in the hours of special need; for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Keith.

[John Pruden]

anyone who uses another shipping site sorry to say that DOM passed away Saturday night after losing his battle with cancer a good friend and a fine man the shipping sites have lost a good man and i will miss my saying good morning to him when it was his bedtime{just to wind him up} i mostly got a two word answer from him but it is a black day for me rest in peace my mate.john/barbara

[Keith at Tregenna]

Bert Bale.jpg

Bert was a proud Newportonian, a tireless campaigner for recognition of the sacrifices of the Merchant Navy, a loyal friend and an inspiration to the causes he espoused.

His final campaign was to erect a memorial to one of the youngest casualties in the last war.

Bert Bale. long time Chair of the Newport Branch Merchant NaVy Association passed away on Monday in the Royal Gwent Hospital.

This picture attached was taken on one of his proudest moments. He was in charge of the ceremony to recall the sacrifices of the Merchant Navy in war. The annual event takes place at Tower Hill London every September.

More at LINK 1: Bert Bale - Paul Flynn - Read My Day

LINK 2: Message Board - Bert Bale:

K.

[david richards]

my wife and i have known bert for a long time and are devastated at his passing. will someone tell me details of his funeral.thanks, david richards

[Doc Vernon]

Of course i didnt know this person,but always so sad to hear of a passing,no matter who!
So my sincere condolences to Bert's immediate Family and good Friends ALL!
May he now rest in peace!
With sorrow!
Doc

[Keith at Tregenna]

David, Deep Sea passed on the earliest news of Bert's passing. The illness has been long, the crossing near expected, the news sad.

We will pass on all known ASAP. I know that today at the monthly meeting of Barry Branch all officers and members will be informed, I have further advised Wales MNA.

All thoughts are with familly and friends.

Gently rocked by the tide,
Cradled in the arms of the sea
Shipmates always,
Remembered with pride.
Forever at peace with the sea.

Tony Meade, 1997

K.

[Keith at Tregenna]

I have no news on the memorial, but will attempt to find out more:

Bertram had previousy announced that it was thought Raymond Steed, just 14 years and 207 days old was the youngest person to have died while in service in the Second World War. But, now accepted that the youngest was a Reginald Earnshaw, who was 14 years and 52 days – which does not alter the fact that the sacrifice of this young Gwent boy should in some way be remembered.”

A small tribute to Bert at this time, Raymond, Reginald and all men and boys then, although some may have been younger still. Further thanks to those that research, discover, archive and ensure that we both know and remember.

Recorded prior to knowing more of Reginald Earnshaw but poignant:

LINK: Raymond Steed

"LEST WE FORGET".

LINK 2: For your info: Memorial will commemorate Newport boy seaman (From South Wales Argus)

Reginald:

LINK 3: http://www.merchant-navy.net/forum/m...al-window.html

K.

[DeepSea]

The date of the funeral is not known at present.

Wendy has requested that she would like MNA Standard Bearers and Members to attend the Funeral which was Bert’s wishes.

Wendy has requested NO FLOWERS or WREATHS. Donations would be kindly appreciated to:

St Annes Hospice
Harding Avenue
Malpas
NEWPORT
NP20 6ZE

Regards,

Tim Brant
National Secretary
Merchant Navy Association

[DeepSea]

According the MNA National Council Meeting in March 2012 the proposed date is sometime in 2013.