Post by KG on Nov 4, 2009 18:16:17 GMT
The 2009 recipients of the prestigious Merchant Navy Medal have been announced, there are ten merchant seafarers and five honoris causa recipients from across the UK.
The Merchant Navy Medal publically recognises exceptional service and acts of courage afloat by British registered seafarers of all rank across the industry.
The medal is awarded honoris causa to anyone who has made a significant contribution to merchant shipping or the fishing fleets, but is not themselves a British merchant seafarer.
Captain Matthew Easton, Chairman of the Merchant Navy Medal says: “Each year the medal, which was established in 2005 during the bicentennial Trafalgar celebrations, grows in stature attracting top calibre nominees.
“These people are very special and it is vitally important to recognise their contribution, both as a source of inspiration for those working in the Merchant Navy, and as a beacon for those considering a career in the sector.”
The medal will be presented by the medal’s patron, Admiral Lord West of Spithead, at a formal ceremony in London on 30 November 2009.
The ceremony will be a very special one, taking place in the impressive C18th setting of Trinity House in the City of London, attended by the recipients, their friends and families and many senior figures from across the maritime industry.
The merchant seafarers who have been awarded this year’s Merchant Navy Medal are:
Capt. E.H. Beetham for services to merchant shipping, to safety at sea and to the Marine Society/Sea Cadets.
Capt. N. Cooper, Master, MAERSK MARYLAND (A.P. Moller/Maersk) for services to merchant shipping and to the Nautical Institute.
Capt. J.S. Earl for services to merchant shipping and to the Bristol Branch of the Merchant Navy Association.
Chief Engineer W. Findlay, Associate Lecturer, Warsash Maritime Academy, Southampton Solent University for services to marine engineer education and to the Guild of Benevo lence, Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology.
Capt. J.R. Harper, Master, RRS ERNEST SHACKLETON (British Antarctic Survey) for services to polar exploration, especially ice navigation and pilotage.
Capt. P.G. Stapleton, Master, HURST POINT (Foreland Shipping) for brave conduct in attempted hijack of MV BOULARIBANK, Gulf of Aden, April, 2009.
Chief Engineer J. Parry, Consultant, BP Shipping for services to merchant shipping, especially the design and operation of LNG tankers.
Mr. I.C. Petrie Communications Officer, WIND STAR (Windstar Cruises) for services to merchant shipping, especially cruise ships.
Capt. J. Pinder, RNR, Port Hydrographer, Port of London Authority for services to the Port of London and to youth maritime training.
Mr. J. Rimmer, Mess Man, MERSEY VIKING (Norfolk Line) for services to merchant shipping and to the RMT Union.
The Revd. Canon R.J. Christianson, lately Secretary General, Mission to Seafarers for services to merchant seafarers and to the International Christian Maritime Asssociation. (Honorary)
Mrs. D. Simco for services to the welfare of serving and retired seafarers and to the Queen Victoria Seamen's Rest. (Honorary)
Mrs. I.M. Bonnici, lately Administrator, Dreadnought Medical Service (Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospital Group, London) for services to the care of sick and injured merchant seafarers. (Honorary)
Mrs. F. Manson, Cook, Scrabster Mission, Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen for services to the welfare of fishermen in N. Scotland. (Honorary)
Capt. J. Evans, MBE, RD, RNR, Hon. President, Anglo-Scottish Fishermen's Association for services to commercial fishing and fishermen in Scotland. (Honorary)
Nominations for the Merchant Navy Medal can be made at any time of year but should be received by 1 August. The Committee communicates its decision in writing to the successful candidates by 30 September and a list of recipients is released immediately before Trafalgar Day, Oc tober 21st.
The names of the recipients of the medal are communicated to H.M. The Queen and the Secretary of State. The names are also published in the London Gazette as well as other national and local media, and recorded in the archives held by the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Medallists can use the designation MNM after their names.
A nomination form can be downloaded all year round from the website www.merchantnavymedal.org
The Medal is round and has upon its obverse a profile portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson with the inscription THE MERCHANT NAVY MEDAL around the top and 1805 TRAFALGAR 2005 around the bottom. The reverse face features the Merchant Navy logo and the inscription reads FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE.
The ribbon is half green and half red, watered and with a narrow white vertical stripe between the two colours, echoing the navigation lights of a ship. The name of the recipient is inscribed along the outer edge of the medal and it is presented in a red velvet-lined box.
For further information please contact:
Claire Sneddon, Chamber of Shipping
020 7417 2888