When the German battleship Bismarck was sunk in World War II, the cat, then called "Oskar," was rescued by the British destroyer HMS Cossack and renamed "Unsinkable Sam." Cossack was itself sunk later and Unsinkable Sam was rescued by the aircraft-carrier HMS Ark Royal. Ark Royal was also sunk and Unsinkable Sam was rescued by a forth ship which took no chances and pensioned him off ashore. There is a picture of him on the Internet which can be found by Googling. I think there should be some poems to be had from this story. (I am writing one myself elsewhere).
I am allowing pre-writes because it is my rule always to do so. However in this particular contest I'd be surprised if there were any.
I am allowing pre-writes because it is my rule always to do so. However in this particular contest I'd be surprised if there were any.
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on November 15, 2006
- Rewards: Gold: 300
- Final notes: Only two poems entered but both of high standard. Thank you
Entries [2]
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Cause if you think I’m putting one toe,
In that cold and icy sea,• Commented on by judge. -
HMS Ark Royal
<font face="Bookmark Old Style,Arial,Sans-serif" si• Commented on by judge.
Gold trophy winner
Silver trophy winner
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just had a quick look online then, seems like a lucky little cat lol though certainly not for those that rescued him.
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lol I wonder if the sailors of the fourth ship had become supersticious by then. lol He seems like a furry little bad luck charm.
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I am sure they had! I did my own sailoring in the peace-ftime Navy and even then there's nothing like the sea and long watches at night to give you thoughts (they've asked me back part-time, lecturing cadets in international law, and I'm thinking about it, if I can still get into my old uniform!)
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Don't find pictures on google but see the story. Mostly though, I see links to this contest.
May try to sneak something in here.
Paul -
The site is called Purr-n-fur UK and is also about "Simon" of HMS Amythist. There is a picture on that but he just looks like an ordinary tabby cat.
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An old sea-dog organising a contest about an old sea-cat on a site with a load of young landlubbers!
This has got to be fun.
I hope inspiration comes along soon so I can write something and join the celebration. If i don't suceed you must promise not to swing the cat
Jim AKA Shantyfreak -
This is a story which surfaced a year or so ago on a Mudcat website thread and I thought it could make an interesting variation on the old folksong "The Cat Came Back" with equally dark consequences for others involved. I never did anything with it but I'll be watching this contest closely to see if there is anything worth "harvesting."
Cheerily,
Charley Noble
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