CAPT. NORTH Of The ATLANTIC CONVEYORCaptain Ian North - when he was called to war
Epitomized the spirit of Merchant Navy lore,
Resourceful with ability and a bushy beard,
Showing calm authority, he was well revered.
His ship was berthed in Liverpool when his orders came,
To steam down to the Falklands and help refute the claim,
He then prepared his vessel into a breed of carrier,
Converted for the choppers and the vital Harrier.
Laden with Chinooks, Wessex and the Lynx,
The Captain’s innovation ironed out many kinks,
Stores and apparatus loaded to complete,
Staggering in so short a time, and quite a marvelous feat.
Steaming with the battle group they went to do their bit,
Later near San Carlos she took a bomber`s hit,
Spreading fire and mayhem caused by exocet,
Reaching fuel in army trucks standing by on deck.
The sinking of `Conveyor` was a bona fide disaster,
Twelve men gave their lives inclusive of her Master,
Essentially civilians they didn`t have to go,
But steadfast British mariners never would say no.
They went to serve our country as seamen always will,
Crucial to the campaign with their special skill,
Flying our red duster - his crew were going forth,
Under fine tradition - and Captain Ian North.
Joe Earl
LINK: joesverse.simplesite.com/160596387