RMS WINDSOR CASTLE
http://www.ssmaritime.com/windsorcastle5.htm
I sailed in Windsor Castle for five years. This old bit of poetry found in a 70-year-old book is very moving when viewed against the above link pictures.
Probably the finest ship I ever sailed in and I was very happy there, although usually very tired! I was supremely happy in St. Helena (11 years), but it was a different kind of happiness! Anyway, thought you old Windsor's may appreciate this, although the link make sad viewing.
Bob
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They've stripped her frills an furnishin's they've bared 'er stem to stern,
They've gutted 'er from mizzen-truck to hold,
An' she's learned 'er final lesson, what the best o' sailors learn,
That the sea is finished wiv yer when yer old!
Yes, she's finished with the sea,
An' she'll never more be free,
To wander where the waves is rollin' green,
For the knackers they 'ave got 'er
An' they'll bloomin well job- lot 'er,
An they'll never give a thought for what she's been.
They didn't 'old no service for to mark 'er dyin' day,
But 'er sisters 'ooted mournful as she passed.
An' a brace o' dirty tug boats came an 'ustled 'er away,
Wiv 'er colours 'angin' sadly at the mast.
An' they'll never give a rap
As they cut 'er into scrap,
For the glory an' the pride she used to be,
An 'er owners will forget 'er
An they'll take an' build a better,
But there'll never be a better ship for me.
Yet I 'avent't seen the last of 'er, for ships is more than steel,
An' sailor men see more than other folk,
So I know some day I'll sight 'er wiv the pilot at 'er wheel,
An 'er ghostly funnel trailin ghostly smoke.
I'll be ready for I'll know
That it's time for me to go,
An I'll smile to 'ear the shout of "come aboard!"
An' there's not a man will fail 'er
As we muster there to sail 'er
Straight to Heaven for the glory of the Lord!
http://www.ssmaritime.com/windsorcastle5.htm
I sailed in Windsor Castle for five years. This old bit of poetry found in a 70-year-old book is very moving when viewed against the above link pictures.
Probably the finest ship I ever sailed in and I was very happy there, although usually very tired! I was supremely happy in St. Helena (11 years), but it was a different kind of happiness! Anyway, thought you old Windsor's may appreciate this, although the link make sad viewing.
Bob
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They've stripped her frills an furnishin's they've bared 'er stem to stern,
They've gutted 'er from mizzen-truck to hold,
An' she's learned 'er final lesson, what the best o' sailors learn,
That the sea is finished wiv yer when yer old!
Yes, she's finished with the sea,
An' she'll never more be free,
To wander where the waves is rollin' green,
For the knackers they 'ave got 'er
An' they'll bloomin well job- lot 'er,
An they'll never give a thought for what she's been.
They didn't 'old no service for to mark 'er dyin' day,
But 'er sisters 'ooted mournful as she passed.
An' a brace o' dirty tug boats came an 'ustled 'er away,
Wiv 'er colours 'angin' sadly at the mast.
An' they'll never give a rap
As they cut 'er into scrap,
For the glory an' the pride she used to be,
An 'er owners will forget 'er
An they'll take an' build a better,
But there'll never be a better ship for me.
Yet I 'avent't seen the last of 'er, for ships is more than steel,
An' sailor men see more than other folk,
So I know some day I'll sight 'er wiv the pilot at 'er wheel,
An 'er ghostly funnel trailin ghostly smoke.
I'll be ready for I'll know
That it's time for me to go,
An I'll smile to 'ear the shout of "come aboard!"
An' there's not a man will fail 'er
As we muster there to sail 'er
Straight to Heaven for the glory of the Lord!