Volume 22 www.legionnl.com 11 Newfoundland Labrador Command James E. Mercer was born in Upper Island Cove, Newfoundland on September 4, 1920. He served in the British Royal Navy from 1939 to 1946 on the North Atlantic, in Italy and in the US. On May 7, 1945, while serving on HMS Prompt, a British minesweeper, the ship struck a mine off Holland and James was badly hurt. He was sent to a hospital in Belgium and was discharged on April 8, 1946. James and William “Harry” Mercer, featured on page 115 of this volume, were brothers. James passed away on March 1, 2008. James E. Mercer The following poem was written as a tribute to all the Newfoundland and Labrador seaman who served in World War 2, and most specially to honor; Able Seaman first Class British Royal Navy, James Mercer of Bishops Cove, September, 1920, March, 2008. THE CALL OF THIRTY-NINE. In 1939, I was young in my prime when I heard mother country call me. Later that fall, I answered the call and signed up to ship over the sea. After I said all my goodbyes, I turned from my mother as she cried. It was March I know; I remember it well, when I sailed into 6 years of hell. Aboard the mail ship, the old Newfoundland, we were all transported to Great Britain. We landed at Liverpool in the fog and rain, from there, I was sent to Portsmouth to train. On my first posting, I was sent, to serve on the Admirals flag ship, Southern Prince. The work was hard, there was no doubt, but our courage was strong, determined to win out. Shore leave was short, much to short for me, never enough time, to spend with family. Then, in 1945, with a ceremony so plain and simple, the HMS Prompt, was christened by Shirley Temple. We sailed her down the St. Lawrence Sea way and left for Europe on Christmas Day. While sweeping mines off the coast of Holland, the Prompt hit a mine and went to the bottom. With my body all blooded, all twisted and tore, I knew, I wouldn’t sail any more. To Belgium then Scotland, they took me, I remember it well, it was where I spent my last days in hell. Then, it was over, all said and done, I happily returned home to my loved ones. Now, every year, at a very special time, I remember the call of Thirty-Nine. The sun will rise, the sun will set, we who served will never forget, the call of Thirty-Nine. Author James E. Mercer Jr. November 10th 2000
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