Islanders urged to fly flags for Merchant Navy

For the past six years, the Red Ensign has been flown from St Clement's Parish Hall and the nearby Le Hocq Tower

People in Jersey have been asked to fly a flag to mark Merchant Navy Day.

Three former Merchant Navy officers from St Clement have asked residents, parish halls and public buildings to fly a Red Ensign or a Jersey Red Ensign on 3 September.

Ian Bromley, Brian Penaluna and Brian Nibbs, supported by the Bailiff's Chambers, said they wanted to raise awareness of British merchant seafarers.

Captain Stan Richard–dit-Leschery, of Ports of Jersey, said both flags will be flown from The Steam Clock and Red Ensigns are to be flown from other harbour flagstaffs, including Maritime House.

'Hallmark of quality'

Capt Nibbs said: "The Red Ensign is a hallmark of quality, and those sailing under it can be assured of high standards.

"Anyone who has served in the Merchant Navy is proud to do have done so, and it is pleasing to mark the occasion of Merchant Navy Day."

He said the title Merchant Navy was bestowed in 1919 after King George V recognised the sacrifice made by the crews of all the British commercial ships during World War One in which about 14,000 men were lost and twice that number died in World War Two.

The day of remembrance was granted in 2000 with 3 September chosen because on that date in 1917 the first British merchant ship, Athenia, was sunk by enemy action.