MATELOT

The 'Spithead nightingale's' call
As she slips out to sea,
Grey as the clouds hanging above
Salient emotions on the quay.
Matelot's in line on the deck
As 'Invincible' glides so proud,
The Ensign slaps in agitation
And the nation sings aloud.
Once again Britannia is at war
And the sea holds all the aces,
Warships hear our peoples cry
In whatever hostile places.
Wives and children send kisses
To their heroes standing tall,
The bulwark of Great Britain
Our Royal Navy defends us all.
Steel hulls, when once was oak
Salt in the blood, rum and tar,
Conning tower and radars
Replace the blocks and spar.
Mariners stare with weather eye
And old salts salute the Jack,
The families pray to the union flag
That God will bring them back.
Royal Marines sail off to battle
The dreaded green berets,
Per mare, per terram
First into any bloody foray.
The sun dips o'er the yardarm
And the fleet is under way,
Nelson laid the foundations
Britannia always wins the day.
Matelots stare to the distant horizon
Omens emblazoned on fiery sky,
Invincible the heroic flagship
The reason is to do, not to ask why?
Resolute and steady as ever
The senior service of iron might,
Some ships will never return
But, all are prepared to fight.
Matelots of stout heart, so brave
Our navy of history and fame,
They're what made Britain great
They're what gave us our name.
HMS Brilliant, Andromeda et al
Joined Invincible in this story,
All now in our hearts and history
Alongside the legendary Victory.
To all our Matelots and Bootnecks
You're still the masters of the sea,
Protectors of this mighty Isle
Thank you defenders of the free.
Phil Hall March 2014.