UK flies the Red Ensign to honour Merchant Navy & Fishing Fleets.
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Flags raised around the country on 3rd September to mark Merchant Navy Day
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10 Downing Street, Tower Bridge, Guildhall, Cutty Sark and many others raised the flag of the UK Merchant Navy at remembrance ceremonies
- The Seafarers’ Charity’s ‘Fly the Red Ensign’ campaign marked 10th anniversary of championing UK merchant seafarers
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Individuals, companies, and local authorities were taking part in The Seafarers’ Charity’s ‘Fly the Red Ensign’ campaign. This annual effort raises awareness of the UK’s reliance on merchant seafarers, who transport 95% of the nation’s traded goods while supporting the Royal Navy via the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
Other notable landmarks flying the Red Ensign included Tower Bridge, London Guildhall, Cutty Sark, and The National Maritime Museum. Local communities from Dover to Devon, Colchester to Llandudno also had flag-raising ceremonies, wore red to mark the day, and shared their experiences across social media.
Members of Parliament including Alistair Carmichael and Alison Hume wore special lapel pins to mark Merchant Navy Day.
Maritime organisations from around the country, including the UK Harbour Masters Association, Maritime UK, Associated British Ports, Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd (CalMac), The Nautical Institute, The Maritime & Coastguard Agency, and many other also marked Merchant Navy Day.
The Seafarers’ Charity’s campaign marked its 10th anniversary this year, the same year marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Merchant seafarers’ bravery kept supply lines open during both World Wars, and many lost their lives at sea. A memorial service will be held at the Merchant Navy Memorial in Tower Hill on the 7th September.
Deborah Layde, Chief Executive of The Seafarers’ Charity, commented:
“We’re deeply grateful to all those who celebrated the amazing work of UK seafarers who sail under the Red Ensign. Every flag flown, red jumper worn, or story shared fosters a sense of community and honours the legacy of the Merchant Navy. I look forward to the next decade of our ‘Fly the Red Ensign’ campaign!”
Meanwhile, the Department for Transport announced this year’s winners of the Merchant Navy Medal, including Sharon Coveney, Deputy CEO of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, and Captain Martin Willis, Executive Officer & General Secretary of the UK Harbour Masters Association.
About the Merchant Navy
Britain’s merchant service, the fleet of commercial passenger, cargo, fishing and support vessels, held the title ‘Mercantile Marine’ until 14th February 1928. HM King George V then announced that in recognition of its service ‘for many centuries, both in peace and war‘ it was befitting to have a member of the Royal Family as its Head, elevating it to the same level as the Armed Forces.
HRH The Prince of Wales became the first Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets. Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II held the appointment of Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets since 1952.
About The Seafarers’ Charity
The Seafarers’ Charity has been improving the lives of those who work at sea, and their families, for over 100 years. Established in 1917 as The King George’s Fund for Sailors, to support the families of seafarers lost at sea during World War One, we support seafarers throughout their seafaring careers and beyond. We are the largest independent grant funder of maritime welfare charities – with at least £2m in funding injected into supporting the safety and welfare of seafarers every year.