Of Wooden Ships and Iron Men

[bdahunter]

The Princess and I took a walk with our Pup this morning out at the Royal Naval Cemetery. The tombstones range from the early 1800's through to the 1970's with most of them being in the 1800's. What was notable about the tombstones is that they were often erected by the shipmates of the deceased, paid for by passing a hat, this was a different military era where officers and seamen often had to buy their post aboard ship. The cause of death was rarely anything but violent and some of the larger monuments are erected for whole ship's crews that were lost in storms while sailing to Bermuda.
Admirals and Commodores were from the wealthy upper classes in British society so their remains were embalmed in formaldehyde, wrapped in canvas and shipped back to England for interment in the family crypt. Junior officers and the Men who crewed the ships could not afford this luxury and their finally resting place was Bermuda or Davey Jones' Locker.
It was a different age, tough, demanding and unmerciful except for the support you had from your Mates in the crew.
I thought that some might find these photos interesting.

Cheers,

BDA

[anne]

I am glad they have been remembered..............all died so young.

[majakldragon]

Great pictures and a look into the past.

[The TINMAN]

Great Pix and Story, Thanks bda !
Different time for sure. History is always so Interesting when Ya see how things were back then compared to now.
They use to make Iron Wheels and Iron Men..
Today they make Rubber Tires and Tired Men !
JMHO !

[EBCIII]

Very interesting BDA. Great pictures, of a hard era, Beale.

[prizm-pal]

Nice story and pictures..looking at some of the stones there will come a time when we will have to preserve them for future generations to see... the weather beating up the bottoms of some of them! Thanks Bda!

[Buster]

Nice post and good pictures for sure. Buster....

[liquid1]

Thanks for sharing..yes a different era..looks like fighting and wars have been going on for many many years ago..

[gordiesgirl]

Very nice to remember, Nice photos, Thanks for sharing.

[ERnurse]

Thanks for sharing a very good story.