Dear Keith,
Thanks for the information on the Merchant Service WW1 / Merchant Navy.
The Cymru'n Cofio - Wales Remembers website has only just launched, and will continue to develop both in the run-up to, and during commemorations of, the centenary of the First World War. I am sure we will be able to include information about the important role of the Merchant Service during the conflict in appropriate sections of the site.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention,
Tom Pert
Website Administrator
Cymru'n Cofio - Wales Remembers 1914-1918
LINK Message: WILL YOU BE FEATURING OUR WW1 MERCHANT SERVICE?
Our Merchant Service:
HIS MAJESTY THE KING, in his reply to Parliament's congratulations on
his victory in the late war, singled out for special mention, along
with the Armed Forces and the Merchant Marine, the men of his fishing
fleets - who were not deterred by the dangers and perils of the
wartime ocean from carrying out those tasks without which the military
effort would have failed for lack of supplies and his people at home
would have starved.
The title “Merchant Navy” was bestowed by decree of the late King
George V in recognition and appreciation of loyal and heroic duties
performed during WW1.
In 1928 King George V created the title 'Master of the Merchant Navy
and Fishing FLeets' and appointed the then Prince of Wales to that
office.
HM the Queen: is the Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets.
The title “Merchant Navy” was bestowed by decree of the late King
George V in recognition and appreciation of loyal and heroic duties
performed during WW1.
The Tower Hill memorial for World War 1 was unveiled in 1928 to mark
the service and sacrifice of the merchant Marine in WW1. In 1928 King
George V created the title 'Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing
Fleets' and appointed the then Prince of Wales to that office.
The 'Red Duster'
A once fine institution - a fleet of vessels that kept the British
Empire and the motherland itself fed and watered in both peace and
war. The MN once the largest merchant fleet in the World moved over
half of its tonnage in trade.
Formerly the Merchant Service, the title was changed to that used
today by royal proclamation following its sterling service during
WW1.
The Tower Hill memorial for World War 1 was unveiled in 1928 to mark
the service and sacrifice of the merchant Marine in WW1. In 1928 King
George V created the title 'Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing
Fleets' and appointed the then Prince of Wales to that office.
They Couldn't Have Done It Without Us:
The British merchant seamen faced up to the difficulties and horrors
of war with courage and composure.
Year of the Convoy 2013:
Regard's Keith
