THE SAILORS' DAY

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 18, 20 July 1918, Page 6

THE SAILORS' DAY

Brilliant feats of valour 'on the West-

em front and elsewhere on land are apt to cloud the public view of the fine work the Navy is doing. In this connection the mercantile marine forma a branch oL the Navy's actijidties, and, besides, both officers and men from the fleet* of trade are now in enormous numbers actually serving in the Royal Navy. They are all truly doing their full share in the war. They have swept the surface of the seas of every enemy ship; they patrol with unceasing vigilance every ocean from the Poles to the Line; they traverse every sea-way infested

with submarines and hidden mines; and no ship has been delayed because her crew was afraid to sail in danger zones. It is a wonderful story, this of Britain on the seas, but its adequately eloquent telling has yet to come. The men who figure in it will stand out in bold relief hereafter for their corn-age and endurance, their heroism and determination. Tramp or cruiser, it is all the same to them. Efforts are now being made through the Navy League to express in a practical way what the public thinks of the sailors. These efforts will finally take the form of a Flower and Balloon Day, to be held on 27th July, when collections will be taken from the public on behalf of the Navy League. The cause needs no commendation, for it speaks for itself. It is to be regretted that so soon afterwards an appeal by the same method is to be made for another worthy, cause. Endeavours to combine the two have apparently failed, so that the appeal for the sailors will be an independent effort; but public generosity, it is certain, will not be restricted on that account. The great offensive of the Navy is not yet. The Germans, however, may never face it, but if they do, it will be found that the men for whom the Navy League is now- appealing will fully justify their ancient fame —and more.