Hi all,

 Thought i'd start this thread for everyone who enjoys the freedom that is so hard won over the last thousand years or so.

So what do these boats really represent?

 To me they stand for a generation not too distant from our own that stood up & got counted! A generation that either gave thier lives or have endured the nightmares(past & still recurring) of war for our freedom to speak on forums like this.

 I know that a mk1 spit is a symbol of victory in the battle of Britain but these boats are a standing reminder of the people who were counted & never got the medals or fame, they just did thier part!

 The stNazaire raid was well publicised but galant men made the same sacrifice on a daily basis back then. Lest we forget!!

 Any accounts of relatives or brave lads who were there, then dont be shy about posting them here. We all know there are forgotten heroes out there. Its time thier story was told!!!

I could not agree more - this is just one of the reasons that I am involved with this site - and I preach to as many as I can - it is rewarding to read such comments from you.

Many Cheers

Boatbird,

 My thanks to you for pointing out that valuable ommision, Also my apologies to all the craftsmen that built these incredible boats. Credit where its due!

 Went to look at a hdml today & to give an example... Like a lot of hdml's the old engines were present. 66yrs is saying something for an engine! The last owner being a perfectionist & undoubtedley wanting to see her live another 60yrs rebuilt the port engine & was half way through rebuilding the starboard one before his sad loss. Not that they were wrecked but that he wanted to see the old glennifers serve another 60yrs. I thought all hdml's had gardners fitted so we learn a little every day. Never thought i'd say it about a diesel engine but they were well built & quite endearing, certainly better engineered than the engine in most modern cars! She's had a lot of hull work done but the original bits are very respectable for her age. definately good for a boat that was built with a 4month life expectancy!

 The guys & girls that built these craft from the ML's, HDML's, fast planing craft, right up to the big battleships are unsung heroes, After all we'd have a job winning the battle of the atlantic without any boats! Never really thought about it until you brought the subject up. Done stonework on churches before so if a memorial doesnt exist to them, then find me a large piece of stone i can carve one from.

Lest we forget shall we be doomed to repeat the mistakes of our fathers

Surely the point is that whatever part of the armed forces one looks at they on the front line could not operate without the logistics provided by others. I confess that I now look at MFI furniture in a new light!

We are an Island Race and when all the current political correctness is forgotten people will still rember events like The War of Jenkins Ear, the 2 world wars of course and also the Falklands and both Gulf wars. 18 members of our naval forces are currently in the hands of an unpredictable and evil regime because they serve in the modern day equivilant of those forces that we much admire.

What do our government do, they ask if they might be told where they are held and if they might be returned. What will happen if we are told no, and if that regime then goes on to hold a "trial".

Will we forget what our ancestors died for and just let it happen or will we take decisive action. The Falklands war proved we can still do it but I don't suppose it would be politically correct now. We might upset someone or have to appologise in 200 years time.

Where oh where has this Country's leadership gone.