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This Sunday, a special flag called the Red Ensign will be flown around the island... But what does it signify?
Islanders with a personal connection helped shed some light on the often forgotten history...
This Sunday (3 September) is Merchant Navy Day, which aims to recognise those in the commercial branch of the maritime industry.
The title Merchant Navy 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.
They are often regarded as the forgotten and invisible navy community. Modern-day merchant seafarers are responsible for the importation of food and other essential goods.
Earlier this month, three former Merchant Navy officers from St. Clement – Captain Brian Nibbs, Ian Bromley and Brian Penaluna – called for islanders to help mark Merchant Navy Day with the Red Ensign.
The Red Ensign is a flag that originated in the early 17th century as a British ensign flown by the Royal Navy, which was later adopted by the British merchant fleet, according to the official Red Ensign Group.
Pictured: The Red Ensign at Le Hocq Tower.
Any vessel registered in the UK, a Crown Dependency or Overseas Territory is allowed to fly the flag.
It has been flown from public buildings and by individuals and groups on 3 September in the UK since 2000, and from St. Clement’s Parish Hall and the nearby Le Hocq Tower for several years.
Yesterday, Harbour Master Bill Sadler confirmed that Ports of Jersey would be marking the day by flying the Red Ensign across its premises.
“The sacrifice of the 36,000 civilian sailors from the Merchant Navy who lost their lives during the Second World War, and the role they now play in supplying us with essential goods, is often overlooked, and I’m pleased that Merchant Navy Day continues to remind people of the valuable work of merchant seafarers," he said.
Ports of Jersey’s Coastguard Watch Officer, William Jackson, joined the Merchant Navy straight from school, starting as a deck officer and progressing from an officer of the watch, to serving as chief officer onboard a variety of Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships.
He said: "The Merchant Navy’s contribution during historic times of conflict is well documented and enshrined in history. Today, those supply lines are still vital, with over 90% of the world’s goods transported by sea. It is the merchant sailors of the modern day that keep our shop shelves stocked, bring materials for industry and construction, and transport us on our seaward travels."
One of Ports' Merchant Navy cadets, Ben Van Eijden, has just returned to Jersey from training in the Gulf of Aden.
Pictured: Jersey Coastguard Watch Officer William Jackson and one of Ports' Merchant Navy cadets, Ben Van Eijden. (Ports of Jersey)
He said: "I have been at sea on Al Areesh, an LNG tanker for more than three months and have learned so much. From coming on to the bridge with no experience to operating bridge equipment with confidence.
"The crew have always been happy to teach me anything and I am falling in love with the job, even though I have a way to go. I am very grateful to Ports of Jersey for this opportunity."
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