Two of my submariners are missing
I’m very upset that I seem to have lost two old black and white photos of my Uncle Stephen. I have one of them scanned, a portrait (see below) but I’ve mislaid the original, along with the other which was a shot of him and his crew on the deck of his submarine in WW2.
Stephen was my mum’s younger brother. He served as first mate on a Royal Navy submarine, until it sank with all hands in 1941. He was 23. A book was later published about the sub entitled ‘One Of Our Submarines.’ It was dedicated to ‘Sprice’ (his family name was Spring Rice.) I wrote a song by that title. It’s not specifically about him, more about the British Empire in general.
Their sub was used for exteriors in the shooting of a movie called ‘We Dive At Dawn’ starring John Mills. It must have been very bizarre for them at the time, though my family have gotten more used to showing up on the screen over the years–my dad was in the video for ‘Science’ and co-wrote the lyrics with me (in medieval latin!) for a song called ‘Armageddon’, while my brother Matthew created the text for the Flat Earth Lecture film that I used on the road on the mid-80’s.
I lent the two photos to a German label to use on the cover of a remix compilation of the song that came out about 5 years ago. It’s possible they never returned them. I will be in trouble with my big sister Lucy if I don’t find them! Plus I wanted to use them in the video collage if I play the song on this tour. If anyone’s seen them I’ll pay a big reward!
April 3rd, 2006 at 12:16 pm
That’s really unfortunate to be missing those photos! At the very least, as a stop-gap measure, could you get hi-res copies of them from the German label (or their graphic design company) to use for the tour? That’s a great portrait photo, by the way.
April 3rd, 2006 at 3:20 pm
As my own family’s photo historian, I always cringe when I hear of a valuable family photo being lost. I agree with merujo that if you can’t get the originals back, they should at least have some hi-res scans of them on file. You should definitely persue that avenue. But please, in the future, never send out your originals. Have it scanned by someone reputable or have a copy made at your local photo lab. These are quite fast and easy to produce now. Personally, I have made archival copies of some of my family’s best photos and distributed them about the family so that if one gets lost, there’s always another. And no sibling will be sore with another for it’s loss.
April 3rd, 2006 at 6:12 pm
Yes ma’am!
April 6th, 2006 at 5:52 am
I always loved that song. I certainly appreciate the information to add to my understanding of its genesis. By the way, welcome back.
April 6th, 2006 at 10:36 am
Thomas I wish you luck in getting your photos back.. I know I would hate to lose the few family items I have! At least you have some great suggestions on how to get copies if nothing else.
April 9th, 2006 at 5:44 am
Thomas wonderful story on your family history-had no idea but deep inside thats the way I pictured the song!! knew that the BOY’S were SOMEONE!!! – hope to hear you play this song on tour-yea..next weekend s.f.