Post by Administrator on Sept 3, 2014 11:08:01 GMT
September 3rd is Merchant Navy Day. Celebrated annually around the world, it is a day to remember merchant seafarers who died in war.
During World War II, Australian merchant navy ships were at just as much risk as Royal Australian Navy warships as they delivered critical supplies. Hospital ships were also crewed by merchant seamen.
Across the Tasman Sea, several thousand New Zealanders served in the merchant navy during the war. These civilian volunteers sailed the ships that delivered troops, military equipment, food and fuel. This work earned them respect as the fourth service alongside the army, navy and air force, says New Zealand History.
No other group of New Zealand civilians faced such risks. Many ships were torpedoed or bombed; survivors sometimes spent days or weeks in lifeboats before being rescued. Over 130 lost their lives, and around 140 were taken prisoner.
LINK
During World War II, Australian merchant navy ships were at just as much risk as Royal Australian Navy warships as they delivered critical supplies. Hospital ships were also crewed by merchant seamen.
Across the Tasman Sea, several thousand New Zealanders served in the merchant navy during the war. These civilian volunteers sailed the ships that delivered troops, military equipment, food and fuel. This work earned them respect as the fourth service alongside the army, navy and air force, says New Zealand History.
No other group of New Zealand civilians faced such risks. Many ships were torpedoed or bombed; survivors sometimes spent days or weeks in lifeboats before being rescued. Over 130 lost their lives, and around 140 were taken prisoner.
LINK