Barbadian Seamen, who died during World War Two, were recently remembered in a short Commemorative Service to commemorate the sinking of the SS Traveller. The ceremony occurred at the Merchant Navy Memorial in the Military Cemetery in Gravesend St. Michael, Barbados, on Thursday, January 27.
UK-based Barbadian Sandra Smith, whose grandfather’s ship, SS Traveller, was lost 82 years ago, was Guest of honour and laid a wreath on behalf of the Ipswich Branch of the Merchant Navy Association. Lt. Col. Carlos Lovell, Military Advisor to the Chief of Staff & Lt Col. Vere Springer of Barbados Defence Force, laid other wreaths.
Among those in attendance were Lt Col Florence Gittens, MVO & Lt Commander Ryan Alleyne, Adjutant of the Barbados Defence Force. During the ceremony, Senior Ensign Mikel Gooding read a poignant poem by Lord Tennyson called “Crossing the Bar”. Sandra Smith read a message on behalf of Captain Geoff Hartgrove, Chairman of the Ipswich Merchant Navy Association, “where he stressed that the British people are still grateful and have not forgotten the contribution made by seafarers from Barbados. As you know, they are remembered at our annual services Merchant Navy Day.” Forming the guard of honour surrounding the memorial was The Sea Cadets and the Coast Guard, with fixed bayonets
Sandra Smith said, “When I attended the planning meeting a few days previous, it was stated that I would be Guest of honour. That news went out through one ear and came out the other. When I arrived, I realised I was the Guest of Honour.” Sandra compared the courtesies extended to her to be the President. Continuing, I must say Barbados made me feel immensely proud. It was a short ceremony with all the protocols of a remembrance service.
Having spent a lifetime advocating the rights of Caribbean merchant Seamen, who died during World War II, Sandra Smith continues to encourage families to come forward to claim any compensation or awards due to them. As Branch Secretary of the Ipswich Merchant Navy Association in England, her initiative led to the event after she contacted Major David Clarke, CVO, ADC.
During World War II, Bajan seafarers were among the 30,0000 + who lost their lives during the Battle of the Atlantic & Arctic Convoys. On 26th January 1942. The ship was loaded with its general cargo and explosives. It was hit by two torpedoes from the German submarine U-106 (Hermann Rasch) and sank within six minutes, five hundred miles east of New York. The U-boat reported that a heavy detonation was felt a few minutes after the ship sank. TRAVELLER was unescorted, and fifty crew members and two gunners were lost.