MEMBERS of the Alcester community joined town council representatives to mark Merchant Navy Day 2025 with a short service at Centenary Park on today (September 3).
Those present were welcomed by Alcester Royal British Legion (Alcester RBL) chair Mark Cargill, who raised the Red Ensign, affectionately known as the ‘Red Duster’.
John Mills read out a tribute to the Merchant Navy before the vice chair of Alcester RBL Sue Adams, recited a poem.
A prayer by town councillor Kathryn Cargill followed, and then the exhortation by Christine Tolman, Alcester RBL vice president.
The last post was played by Ian Rochester, from Alcester Victoria Silver Band, who also played the reveille after a minute’s silence.
Laying of the poppies was conducted by Alcester mayor Councillor David Henderson and Mark Cargill before the ceremony finished with a rendition of the National Anthem.
Standard bearers were Ian Flear and Mike Clark.
The annual awareness day highlights the indispensable role of Merchant Navy seafarers during the First and Second World Wars and this year marks the 10th anniversary of The Seafarers’ Charity’s ‘Fly the Red Ensign’ campaign, which attempts to address a lack of awareness about the contributions of merchant seafarers.
Alcester RBL branch secretary David Malin said: “We had a lovely flag raising ceremony which went extremely well. It’s important we create this opportunity to remember and thank all our seafarers past, present and future for their work and sacrifices.”
Mark Cargill added: “We come together to commemorate those merchant seamen and women who perished during wars including the two world wars and the Falklands conflict.
“Many merchant seamen lost their lives bringing vital provisions to the UK or supplying British forces with arms. Without merchant seamen, the outcome of the war may have been quite different.”
Visit The Seafarers’ Charity theseafarerscharity.org for further information about the history of the Merchant Navy and flying the Red Ensign.
