Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

 

"A Marine Theme"

 

Mr. David Haig

 

 

"A Marine Theme" was the given title for Friday evening’s meeting at the Lanarkshire Philatelic Society. LPS member, David Haig, gave a thoroughly interesting Display of Royal Marines/ Royal Navy history. He began with uniforms beginning with the drummer who "Beat to Quarters" – when all had to clear the ship for action as fast as possible and man assigned battle stations. The historical uniforms of many ranks were shown.

 

A wonderful series of covers and stamps illustrated various people involved in forming "the crew" – The Press Gang; the Volunteer; the Prisoner; the Landsmen; Sailor; Powder Monkey; Boatswains Mate; Coxswain; Cook; Carpenter; Purser; Surgeon; Wounded & Loblolly Boy (disposing amputated limbs etc)!

 

Another fascinating series of covers, stamps and miniature sheets told the story of the life of Admiral Horatio Nelson – beginning from his birth on 29th September 1758 – and continuing through his life of becoming a Sailor, his promotions, his involvement in many skirmishes and battles – through to his death at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21st October, 1805.

 

This Battle, and Nelson’s death, were wonderfully illustrated with a further series of covers and sets of stamps. These were followed with further beautiful cover issues depicting Vice Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood who assumed Command after Nelson’s death – becoming Admiral Lord Collingwood.

 

There was humour in the series of covers with "Nautical Sayings" – and their origin! – including - "No room to swing a cat"; "Loose cannon"; "Before the Mast"; "Over a barrel" & "Jack Tar".

 

The Display finished with covers and postcards illustrating the ships in the Fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar and a further series of modern sailing ships.

 

Throughout the display David presented much fascinating and useful information, and history, on all that was illustrated.

 

Ken Norris, led members in giving warm thanks to David Haig for presenting such an excellent and informative Display.

 

Our next meeting in the Caledonian Bowling Club, Motherwell Road, Hamilton, is on Friday, 11th October, 2019, at 7:30pm when members who live in ‘G’ Postcode area will present displays.

Anyone with an interest in stamps, postal history, postcards etc is, always, very welcome to attend.