Letters

70th anniversary of the sinking of Athenia

September 14, 2009

Dear Mac,

As it was the 70th anniversary of the sinking of Athenia today I took a notion to go down to the Clyde and leave some flowers.

Athenia would have sailed past this spot on the 1st September 1939. Some of the flowers sank, some got stuck under a boat...the rain and my toddler David detracted from the solemnity of the moment, but it was good to stand
and think of all those who hoped, who suffered, who struggled to survive on Athenia, through the second world war and through all the awful conflicts we still perpetuate on ourselves. So many tears, so much loss and waste.

I thought you might like to see a photograph.....

Best wishes,
Emily Malcolm
(Glasgow Museum of Transport)


Emily,

How lovely to hear from you again, I had sent a message to you at the Museum after I thought you may be back after having your baby, but I had no response.

Are you back at work or does David keep you home?

It was a nice thought and gesture to leave flowers. So many suffered on that fateful day and the passing of the years does not diminish the loss to families.

I am still getting mail from survivors.

All the very best to you and your family, please keep in touch.

Mac.

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