In honour of Merchant Navy Day (3 September), our Employer Engagement team braved the ever-changing Scottish elements to raise the Red Ensign at Lowland House.
The Merchant Navy is the collective name given to the civilian shipping fleets that work tirelessly to transport cargo, fuel and passengers all around the world. Historically, Merchant Navy vessels have also provided support to the Armed Forces in times of conflict. In fact, the title ‘Merchant Navy’ was bestowed upon the British merchant fleets by King George V following their service in the First World War.
On 3 September 1939, only hours after Britain declared war on Germany, SS Athenia became the first merchant ship to be sunk by enemy forces. In the following six years over 4,000 British-flagged vessels would be lost and over 35,000 merchant crew members with them.
By flying the Red Ensign on this participating communities are not only commemorating those Merchant Navy crew members who have lost their lives in past wars, but who continue to keep supply lines open in the face of adversity to this day.
Lowland RFCA Chief Executive Colonel Ted Shields MBE DL paid tribute to the incredible work of the UK’s civilian fleets, remarking: ‘The bond between the Armed Forces and the Merchant Navy is immortal. As an island nation, our Defence, even our national survival, has so often depended and, indeed, will always depend on our Merchant Navy.
‘We in Lowland RFCA salute the Merchant Navy. In our thoughts especially on Merchant Navy Day.’
