3 September 2008

Merchant Navy Day - National

We will remember them all

On September 3rd 1939, a few hours after war had been declared against Germany, the first shipping casualty occurred with the sinking of the Donaldson Line passenger ship, Athenia, and the loss of 112 passengers and crew. For almost six years there was barely a day went by without the loss of merchant ships and their crews.

7 September

The Merchant Navy Day Commemorative Services And Re-union

Tower Hill, London

This Annual service is held on the Sunday in September nearest to Merchant Navy Day, 3rd September, in memory of Merchant Seafarers who died in World Wars I and II and in conflicts up to the present day. After the service, a "Sea of Red Ensigns" will be placed in the lawn at the Sunken Garden, in memory of lost Merchant Seafarers.

A band of HM Royal Marines will lead the parade of Merchant Navy Standards and Standards of other Associations, followed by serving and retired Merchant Seafarers with other Organisations, leaving Mark Lane (Great Tower Street) for Trinity Square Gardens at 12.30 hours. The Principal Guest, Admiral Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC, will take the salute upon arrival of the Parade in Trinity Square Gardens. The multi-faith Commemorative Service and wreath-laying will be held at the Merchant Navy Memorial.

Start Time:  12:30 hours

Venue:  Merchant Navy Memorial, Trinity Square Gardens, Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AA

Nearest Tube Station:  Tower Hill

Nearest Rail Stations:  Fenchurch Street and Tower Gateway (DLR)

Attendance Information:  Everyone is invited to attend. Medals may be worn

Contact:  TM Brant, National Secretary, Merchant Navy Association.
Tel:           (01472) 851130
E-mail:     mna.national@virgin.net

(The Merchant Navy Association's website is   http://www.mna.org.uk/index.htm )

The above is a copy of a received notice for the National Merchant Navy Commemoration Day. The following is a poem by Joe Earl, and used with permission.

MERCHANT NAVY DAY - September 3rd

Take a little care this day and glance above the tiles,
Perchance to see a flagpole visible for miles,
Atop of it a red flag proudly whipping tight,
A Merchant Navy ensign flying there by right.

From important buildings as well as from the sea.
It's flown to honour mariners and shipping history,
Sailing through the years, transporting all the freight,
Conserving of the lifelines keeping Britain great.

If you glance aloft and see with knowing eye,
A 'duster' at the masthead when you're passing by,
Please inform your offspring while going on to say,
A debt is owed to seamen under colours flown today.

Joe Earl