The Revolutionary: Our Portuguese Roots : Part III, Addendum

Our Portuguese ancestry has always fascinated me.  As in many families the stories that got passed down in my paternal grandmother’s family had intrigue but many gaps and begged questions. Sadly by the time I was old enough and curious enough to investigate my grandmother had succumbed to dementia in her 80’s and was unable to help. I have written about my long investigation that spanned 40 years in previous postings and I am pleased to report that much of the mystery surrounding my Great Uncle Philemon, who I have dubbed The Revolutionary has been uncovered and the story reveals his truly remarkable life as a Portuguese Naval officer, Patriot and decorated war hero.

Lieutenant Philemon Duarte de Almeida – First Officer aboard the Cruiser Adamastor. Tagus River October 5, 1910

As I have done on three previous projects I collaborated with historian and Master Marine artist Mark Myers of Cornwall to create a painting that captures a moment in time in our family's history that may serve as a reminder for future King family generations of “what went down on that day and maybe how it shaped in part who we are.

Mark’s painting arrived by post yesterday and it is another masterpiece , meticulously researched in every detail. He captures an historic scene on the Tagus River near Lisbon where events unfolded on October 5, 1910 aboard the Portuguese Navy Dona Ameila light cruiser Adamastor that would change Portugal.

See my blog post for details of the events of that day https://www.wildcapecod.com/post/the-revolutionary-our-portuguese-roots-part-3

Here I am basking in the glow of "victory" after 40 years of research yields a wonderful vision into our family's past - courtesy of Marine artist Mark Myers

"The Adamastor opens fire!" October 5, 1910 on the Tagus River, Lisbon - a watercolor by Mark Myers

The Ensign flying on the Adamastor on October 5, 1910 symbolizing the overthrow of the Monarchy and the installation of the Republican Provisional government

Mark thoroughly researched every detail of the vessels and their surroundings at that moment in time. He was even able to determine the above details about the flag flown from the stern of Adamastor. (its called an Ensign)

As before it was an immense pleasure to collaborate with Mark, a rare breed on Marine artist who also has the patience and precision of a Master historian and storyteller.

Adamastor is off to the framer now. Stay tuned because Part II of our Portuguese story about The Poet will be revealed soon