The Coal Scuttle Brigade

The war was on our doorstep, the Germans sent us hell,
With their mines and bombers - torpedo boats as well,
Through the E - boat Ally, our colliers braved the way,
Steaming round to London, mostly every day.

They came in coastal convoys from seaports in the north,
Vital coal the cargo - from Tyneside and the Forth,
Providing crucial energy for City and the Shires,
As well as fuel for railways, and domestic fires.

En route to power stations, with jetties on the river,
Thirty thousand tons a week they needed to deliver,
A voyage run to Fulham and many a southern quay,
Like the one at Brunswick wharf and pier at Battersea.

Ships sent down from Welsh ports also braved onslaught,
Through the Hell Fire Corner making life so fraught,
Sitting ducks for E- boats from Goodwin Sands to Dover,
Fifteen guns at Cape Gris Nez lobbing shells right over.

Hardy Merchant seamen - experienced sea dogs,
Butted `tween the sand bars in frequent local fogs,
Defiantly they battled on, fought the harsh oppression,
While losses were horrendous in day and night aggression,

Through the wartime years, the colliers sailed the coast,
So many killed or injured giving their utmost,
These our unsung heroes of this battle of the sea,
I only hope you Southerners enjoyed your cup of tea!