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Facts And Figures


(3rd May 1917, Oppy Wood, Jack Harrison VC gave his life for the Hull Pals. Lest we forget.
Hull is the UK City Of Culture 2017)

We all talk of Ypres and Gallipoli
The Somme, Oppy Wood and more
But how many of us know about
Fishermen and sailors in that war.
Some joined the Royal Navy, others
The Reserve, The Merchant Marine
Bringing their experience to help
Our great naval fighting machine.

Trawlers turned to mine sweeping
Patrolling our Eastern coast
Commandeered by the Navy
For the seas they knew the most.
Older men and youngsters crewed
The remnants of the fishing fleet
So out City contributed so much
Towards the enemies naval defeat.

Three hundred of our ships used
In their various essential roles
Over one hundred Hull ships lost,
More than a thousand brave Hull souls.
As we pay tribute to Jack Harrison VC
One of the bravest of the very brave
Remember those deckies and sailors
Who helped our nation to be saved

They may not have seen the trenches
Endured the hell of no man's land
But they've earned our respect
That gallant seafaring band.
As we have our Year of Culture
I hope we all understand
The price our City paid
Towards the freedom of this land.







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