Society marks Merchant Navy Day to honour nation’s seafarers

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, along with people all around the UK, are celebrating Merchant Navy Day today (3 September), recognising the brave seafarers who kept our island nation supplied and fed during both World Wars and continue to play such a pivotal role in the country today.

Merchant Navy Day, which has been celebrated annually since 2000, recognises the contribution of seafarers to our way of life, with organisations and individuals encouraged to fly the Red Ensign to show appreciation and respect for the men and women of the Merchant Navy.

Britain’s merchant service, the fleet of commercial passenger, cargo, fishing and support vessels, had the title ‘Mercantile Marine’ until 14th February 1928. HM King George V then announced that in recognition of its service ‘for many centuries, both in peace and war‘ it was to have a member of the Royal Family as its Head, elevating it to the level of the Armed Forces.

HRH Edward, The Prince of Wales, thus became the first Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets, the Mercantile Marine thereby having conferred upon it the title of ‘Merchant Navy’.

HM The Queen has held the appointment of Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets since accession on 6th February 1952.