Post by Administrator on Sept 20, 2019 15:32:08 GMT
Memorial service in Wick for merchant seamen
A FITTING tribute was paid to men of the Merchant Navy at a commemoration event in Wick on Sunday.
The service was held in St Fergus Church at which various dignitaries, former servicemen and members of the public attended – followed by a wreath-laying ceremony in the memorial garden opposite the church.
The Rev John Nugent led the service and talked about the importance of the Merchant Navy during World War II by referencing the story of his uncle Jim who encountered enemy submarines in the conflict.
Former merchant seaman Mike Coupland was then invited to the pulpit and told the story of the SS Athenia which was torpedoed and sunk by a U-boat 80 years ago – just hours after Britain declared war on Germany and leading to the first major loss of life in the war.
The sinking of the Athenia on September 3, 1939, led to an annual commemoration being set up from 2000 known as Merchant Navy Day in which the brave men and women "who kept our island nation afloat" during both world wars are remembered. The Red Ensign – the UK Merchant Navy's official flag – was flown proudly in the town that day and throughout the country.
LINK
A FITTING tribute was paid to men of the Merchant Navy at a commemoration event in Wick on Sunday.
The service was held in St Fergus Church at which various dignitaries, former servicemen and members of the public attended – followed by a wreath-laying ceremony in the memorial garden opposite the church.
The Rev John Nugent led the service and talked about the importance of the Merchant Navy during World War II by referencing the story of his uncle Jim who encountered enemy submarines in the conflict.
Former merchant seaman Mike Coupland was then invited to the pulpit and told the story of the SS Athenia which was torpedoed and sunk by a U-boat 80 years ago – just hours after Britain declared war on Germany and leading to the first major loss of life in the war.
The sinking of the Athenia on September 3, 1939, led to an annual commemoration being set up from 2000 known as Merchant Navy Day in which the brave men and women "who kept our island nation afloat" during both world wars are remembered. The Red Ensign – the UK Merchant Navy's official flag – was flown proudly in the town that day and throughout the country.
LINK