Crossing the Bar

[Rob Parry]

I don't know if the USMC uses the same terminology as we do when one of our lads is killed. He is said to have "Crossed the Bar." The allusion is that he has crossed the sand-bar protecting a safe harbour; the poem was written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, just prior to his own death, and thus indicates a transfer from life to death.

Five Bootnecks, members of 40 Commando, have recently died in Helmand.


Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.



Rest easy Royal, duty done.

[Zulu 36]

An excellent poem, Rob. Lord Tennyson always had a good turn of phrase.

No, the US Marines don't use that phrase. We have several and most have something to do with Reporting to St. Peter, Guarding Heaven's Streets, or the like.

[Wyoming]

I agree with Chris and also say 'Rest easy Royal, duty done'.

[Chewey A084739]

Rest easy Royal. You are bound for heaven because you did your time in hell