MELKSHAM once again marked Merchant Navy Day earlier this month in various ways.
Melksham Town Council once again raised the Red Ensign over the weekend of 3rd September to remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the Merchant Navy.
While many people know that 3rd September marked the outbreak of the Second World War, few are aware that it also marked the first major British maritime casualty – the merchant vessel SS Athenia – which was torpedoed just a few hours after hostilities were declared, with the loss of 128 passengers and crew.
3rd September is now enshrined as Merchant Navy Day to honour the brave men and women who kept our island afloat during both World Wars, and even during peacetime faced – and continue to face – the perils of violent storms and mountainous seas. Despite these adversities, merchant seafarers ensure that 95% of the UK’s imports, including much of the food we eat, most of the fuel we burn and virtually all the products and goods we take for granted, are delivered safely to these shores.
Melksham Town Council is proud to raise the Red Ensign (or Red Duster as it is more affectionately known) over the weekend of 3rd September to remember and celebrate the role of the Merchant Navy in our glorious seafaring past and to recognise its vital contribution to our economic future.
Sainsbury’s in Melksham played host to a group from the Bristol and district branch of the Merchant Navy Association recently, as part of their celebration of Merchant Navy Day. The group was also promoting the role of the Merchant Navy Association.
Their display of World War 2 rations was of interest to many of the customers. The older ones enjoyed reminiscing, while the younger ones were aghast at the small amount that had to last a week – especially when compared with their well-laden trollies. Children could not believe that the few sweets were for a week, not that amount every day.
All of them were reminded that not only did the Merchant Navy bring desperately-needed food into the country during the war, but that 85% of what was in their trollies is still brought here by merchant ships.
When the Merchant Navy Association was formed 28 years ago, in 1989, it was one of their priorities to get a dedicated day, but it took 11 years to obtain it, so 3rd September has only been recognised since the year 2000. However, it is now acknowledged and celebrated internationally.
A couple of years ago the Seafarers organisation took up the cause for wider recognition and asked councils, public buildings, churches etc to fly the Red Ensign, the Merchant Navy’s own flag, on 3rd September. This has been very successful with more organisations joining in each year.
If you wish to support the work of Seafarers UK and the Merchant Navy Fund, visit the following link: www.charitycheck out.co.uk/226446/mnf.
