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Islanders are being encouraged to fly a Red Ensign to mark Merchant Navy Day next month.
The name Merchant Navy refers to the commercial branch of the British maritime industry, and was bestowed in 1919 after King George V recognised the sacrifice made by the crews of all the British commercial ships during the First World War.
It is carried by a range of vessels including container ships, tankers, cruise liners, ferries and commercial yachts and has been flown from public buildings and by individuals and groups on Merchant Navy Day in the UK since 2000, and from St. Clement’s Parish Hall and the nearby Le Hocq Tower for several years.
Ian Bromley, Brian Penaluna and Brian Nibbs – who are all former Merchant Navy officers from St. Clement – are once again calling for the flag to be flown from homes, parish halls and public buildings on 3 September.
The date marks the sinking of the first British merchant ship by enemy forces in the Second World War.
Captain 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 on 3 September."
The trio hope to raise the awareness and importance of British Merchant Seafarers on British registered vessels.
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