Post by Administrator on Sept 3, 2014 11:16:29 GMT
Red ensigns are flying today to mark the National Merchant Navy Day.
Flags are being flown country and worldwide today, Wednesday, September 3, which was decreed as National Merchant Navy Day by the Government 15 years ago.
All fronts in both World Wars could not have been possible without the Merchant Navy, as troops supplies, ammunition, vehicles and rations were nearly all transported by the Merchant Navy, as well as supplies for the home front.
The Red Ensign – the flag, commonly known as the ‘The Red Duster’, is the ensign that flies on British Merchant Ships.
Wreath-laying ceremonies are taking place:
It is important to honour the role played by Merchant Seafarers during the Second World War and our Mercantile Marine of WW1. Many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.
In the First and Second World Wars, the Merchant Service suffered heavy losses from German U-boat attacks. A policy of unrestricted warfare meant that merchant seafarers were also at risk of attack from enemy ships. The tonnage lost to U-boats in the First World War was around 7,759,090 tons, and around 14,661 merchant seafarers were killed. In honour of the sacrifice made by merchant seafarers in the First World War.
George V granted the title "Merchant Navy" to the service.
In 1928 George V made Edward, Prince of Wales "Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets"; a title he retained after his accession in January 1936 and relinquished only at his abdication that December. Since Edward VIII the title has automatically been held by the sovereigns George VI and Elizabeth II. When the UK entered the Second World War in September 1939 George VI issued this message:
In these anxious days I would like to express to all Officers and Men and in the British Merchant Navy and The British Fishing Fleets my confidence in their unfailing determination to play their vital part in defence. To each one I would say: Yours is a task no less essential to my people's experience than that allotted to the Navy, Army and Air Force. Upon you the Nation depends for much of its foodstuffs and raw materials and for the transport of its troops overseas. You have a long and glorious history, and I am proud to bear the title "Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets". I know that you will carry out your duties with resolution and with fortitude, and that high chivalrous traditions of your calling are safe in your hands. God keep you and prosper you in your great task.
Both Internationally and Nationally we are proud to fly the ‘Red Duster’.