Merchant Navy Day to pay tribute to seafarers

Capt Sadler said merchant seafarers continue to play "an important role"

Ports of Jersey will be marking Merchant Navy Day on Tuesday 3 September by flying the Red Ensign.

Merchant Navy Day became an official Day of Remembrance in 2000 in recognition of the sacrifices made by merchant seafarers in the two World Wars and since.

Harbour Master Capt Bill Sadler said he hoped Jersey would continue to "remember the sacrifice" of the civilian sailors in the Merchant Navy that lost their lives.

Ports of Jersey will be flying Red Ensigns from The Steam Clock and from other harbour flagstaffs, including Maritime House.

Ports of Jersey said the remembrance day would commemorate the Merchant Navy which is responsible for the importation of food and other essential goods.

King George V awarded the title of Merchant Navy on British merchant seafarers in recognition of their sacrifice during World War One and during World War Two 32,000 merchant seafarers were killed onboard convoy vessels.

During the Falklands conflict in 1982 an estimated 3,000 civilian crew from the Merchant Navy undertook minesweeping, troop transport, supply of equipment, fuel and food, hospital facilities, carrying prisoners and accommodating survivors, the Ports of Jersey said.

Capt Sadler said: “Merchant seafarers continue to play an important role today, by supplying us with essential goods.

"I’m pleased that Merchant Navy Day continues to remind people of their valuable work.”

Capt Stanley Richard-dit-Leschery, a Royal Naval Reservist for 25 years, said he hopes the day gives people "pause" to think about those that serve in the Merchant Navy

Capt Stanley Richard-dit-Leschery, a Royal Naval Reservist for 25 years, is a Ports of Jersey pilot and senior maritime standards manager.

He said: “I am the third generation of my family to serve in the Merchant Navy.

"My maternal grandfather, an Engineer Officer, was fortunate to survive when his oil tanker was torpedoed during World War Two, while my father sailed as a Captain with Cunard for more than 20 years.

“Merchant Navy Day therefore means a lot to me, particularly as I knew some of those who died on MV Atlantic Conveyor in 1982.

"I hope the day gives everyone pause to think about what we all owe to the world’s merchant seafarers and fishers, and to the various charities that look after them.”