The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman the Lord Mountevans, displays a Red Ensign – flown atop Guildhall for Merchant Navy Day.
365 Red Ensign-flying locations are listed in a ‘Roll of Honour’ at www.merchantnavyday.uk
Britain’s dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers is being commemorated across the UK on Merchant Navy Day, Saturday 3 September.
The charity Seafarers UK asked local councils in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to hoist the Red Ensign – the British Merchant Navy’s official flag – on civic centre flagpoles and in public places. The Red Ensign is also being flown on many historic buildings – see www.merchantnavyday.uk
Merchant Navy Day has been commemorated in the UK since 2000. 3 September 1939 marked the outbreak of the Second World War. The merchant vessel SS Athenia was torpedoed just a few hours after hostilities were declared, with the loss of 128 passengers and crew.
Decades later the ‘island nation’ UK remains dependent on Merchant Navy seafarers. 95% of imports are shipped into Britain’s sea ports, including half of all food and daily supplies of fuel for power stations.
Seafarers UK’s President, HRH The Earl of Wessex, said: ‘I very much hope you will support this campaign to remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy.’
