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 at County Hall, Trowbridge today (3 September).

The event marked Merchant Navy Day; an annual commemoration of the contribution made by merchant mariners down the years.

Council Chairman Cllr Stuart Wheeler was joined by David Scott, Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire, in hoisting the Red Ensign.

They were joined by former Merchant and Royal Navy sailors.

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

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

Merchant Navy Day falls on 3 September each year - the date in 1939 when SS Athenia became the first Merchant Navy casualty of the war with the loss of 128 passengers and crew.