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Sometimes when we write blogs, we wonder if we are all the time keeping to the rules of island blogging.I know that I require to remind myself of what they actually are; but not at the moment please.

It seems to me that writing of past events is not what is most popular. I found that, for example, writing about the Highland Clearances didn't get get the best results in the event of comments - obviously I had a chip on my shoulder. Something more trendy would have been more in line. But as for myself the past is often the corner stone for the future.

I suppose that these days, more than before we are aware of commerations as regards one thing or another. There must, of course, be a great deal more to remember in the 21st centuary than ever before,and in saying this my attention is focused on the two world wars of the 20th centuary so indellibly imprinted in our history.I suspect that some would prefer to forget episodes such as these, but I won't condemn. Though I don't realish the idea of war more than they,the sacrifice in human terms reach me to the depth of my being.

After the evacutation of Dunkirk many refugees remained in France desperate to get home to Britain, but they had one last chance before being surrounded. The cunard liner "Lancastria" lay off the French port St Nazaire ready to leave and also ready to take on board all who were fleeing.

The "Lancastria" although lacking in size compared to other cunarders was an exceedingly fine ship with beautiful sleek lines and a single funnell. Anyway on the 17th of June 1940 she was the last chance for the desprate escapees and she was ready to take on board with hardly a thought of numbers. It is said that 6000 and some say even 9000 were jam packed in her when the enemy attacked from the air. After a very severe pounding with bombs, one of which went straight down her single funnell, she keeled over and sank. 2,500 were saved.

The loss ofthe "Lancastria" was devestating, with a loss of life worse than that of the "Titanic" and owing to the effect it could have had the morale of the British people it didn't become a news item.

I trust that I will be forgiven for my poor attempt at relating this sad story and I am sure the bravery beyond description involved. In ending I am pleased that an association was formed that has a very special interest to keep the final resting place of the "Lancastria" free from any tampering by intruders.

This is indeed a most sobering story and I humbly feel that we have a requirement to reverently the sacrafice and the tragadies that happened - yes, for our freedom and wellbeing.