THE MERCHANT SERVICE.

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 56, 16 March 1943, Page 5

THE MERCHANT SERVICE.

(HE SPEAKS THOUGH HE IS DEAD) You have seen him in' the street Rolling round on groggy feet. You've despised him when he's been out on the spree But youVe never been a trip On a dark and lonely ship Through a submarine and mine infested sea. You have cheered the. navy lads On their heavy iron clads You can spare a cheer for Tommy Atkins too You may have a touch of funk When you read "'Big Mall Boats sunk" Did. you think about the Merchant Service, crew. You have moaned about the loss Of every vessel lost It put you in a pessimistic mood But you never say well done Or congratulated one Who helps to bring your wife and kiddies food. He has brought your wounded home Through a mine infested zone He has ferried all your troops to France by night He belongs to no brigade Is neglected—under paid Yet lie's often in the thickest of the fight. He has fought the lurking Hun With an ancient 4-inch gun And does his best to put. them down below Yet you never hear him boast To the folks that need him most In fact he's sort of reticent and glum But you'd feel the same way too If no matter, what you do You're st'll another merchant service bum He can collar liuns. and smite em To the real "Ad Infinitum" And for wop's he doesn't give a dam His .social standings nil You regard him as a dill. But you've got to hand it to him HE'S A MAN. Alfred. Benjamin,