Fly the Red Ensign

[Administrator]

This Merchant Navy Day, 3rd of September, please Fly the Red Ensign to remember the sacrifices of the often forgotten and invisible Merchant Navy community and help us raise vital funds to help respond to the increased need for support.

Fly the Red Ensign is an annual campaign, proudly run by The Seafarers’ Charity, to honour the brave men and women who kept the UK afloat during both World Wars and celebrate our dependence on modern-day merchant seafarers who are responsible for more than 90% of the UK’s imports.

All funds raised will go towards the Merchant Navy Fund, which is administered by The Seafarers’ Charity and supported by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB).



VIA: The Seafarers’ Charity

[Administrator]

‘Fly the Red Ensign for Merchant Navy Day’ on 3rd September 2021!

LINK

[Administrator]

In wartime, Britain depended on civilian cargo ships to import food and raw materials, as well as transport soldiers overseas, and keep them supplied. The title 'Merchant Navy' was granted by King George V after the First World War to recognise the contribution made by merchant sailors.

Britain’s merchant fleet was the largest in the world during both world wars. In 1939 a third of the world’s merchant ships were British, and there were some 200,000 sailors. Many 'British' merchant seamen came from parts of the British Empire, such as India, Hong Kong and west African countries. Women also sometimes served at sea in the Merchant Navy.

During both world wars, Germany operated a policy of 'unrestricted submarine warfare', or sinking merchant vessels on sight. In the second half of April, an average of more than 13 ships were sunk each day. By the end of the war, more than 3,000 British flagged merchant and fishing vessels had been sunk and nearly 15,000 merchant seamen had died. During the Second World War, 4,700 British-flagged ships were sunk and more than 29,000 merchant seamen died.

Since the Second World War, the British Merchant Navy has become steadily smaller, but has continued to help in wartime, notably during the Falklands War. More recently, merchant seamen have been vulnerable to pirate attacks in the Indian Ocean.

[Administrator]

Merchant Navy Day

On this day, 3rd September, every year from the year 2000 onward, hopefully, the Red Ensign will be seen flying proudly from both public and private buildings throughout the united Kingdom. This will remind the nation of our maritime heritage.
'WE WILL REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE CROSSED THE BAR'

The first ever Merchant Navy Day, the 3rd of September 2000. The Recognition of this Day will change the nations perspective of all merchant seafarers.

Let us use the momentum of this change to further develop the reputation of the Merchant service. We are all proud to be part of an extraordinary heritage.

Through war and conflict, exploration and trade, suffering and sacrifice the Merchant Navy and its seafarers helped to develop a nation and secure the freedoms we all now enjoy. Those Merchant Seafarers, who gave the ultimate sacrifice, have never been properly acknowledged or recognised, and nor have those who survived.