Wiltshire Council pays tribute to Merchant Navy

Wiltshire Council paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of Merchant Navy seafarers in a flag-raising ceremony held today (2 September) at County Hall, Trowbridge.

The ceremony was to mark Merchant Navy Day, an annual commemoration of the contribution made by merchant mariners down the years.

Council Vice-Chairman Cllr James Sheppard was joined by Air Vice-Marshal David Couzens, Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire and former Merchant and Royal Navy sailors to hoist the Red Ensign.

Cllr Sheppard said: This ceremony is a fitting way to mark the important role the Merchant Navy has played in our nation's history.

We will never forget the immense courage of countless Merchant Navy sailors who have kept Britain fed and supplied during the darkest days of war. Many lost their lives, and we owe our freedom to their selfless bravery.

Merchant Navy Day falls on 3 September each year and raises awareness of the country's ongoing dependence on merchant seafarers. The day commemorates an event in 1939, during World War II when the first UK merchant ship, SS Athenia, was sunk with the loss of over 128 passengers and crew.