Merchant Navy Day Flag Raising

Mayor, Councillor Ian Duckworth, the Mayoress, Mrs Christine Duckworth and the two Deputy Lieutenants based in Rochdale, Mrs Vivien Carter and Mr Ian Sandiford

The Red Ensign was raised outside the Town Hall by the Mayor Ian Duckworth. Prayers were offered by the town centre Chaplain and the Mayor’s Chaplain, a poem was read by the Mayoress.

The event is held to commemorate those from the Merchant Navy who lost their lives in the last war.

The Merchant Navy was instrumental in bringing food supplies and other vital goods from overseas.

Shipping was in great danger from enemy ships and U boats and many sailors found themselves in great peril when their ships had been destroyed by enemy guns.

The ship owners decreed that once a ship had been destroyed in this way, those sailors, fortunate enough not to lose their lives, would be given 30 days leave; commencing at the moment they found themselves in the sea and without pay.

Consequently, when they did eventually arrive home on this unpaid 'leave' many of them were destitute and wearing the clothes they had left at home – only to find themselves abused by some members of the community who thought they were draft dodgers.

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Rochdale Borough Council lead member for the armed forces, said: “It is right that we celebrate the role of a fleet whose men and women braved perilous journeys across the Atlantic and Arctic during the world wars, and whose ships sail the globe today bearing the famous colours. In times of conflict and in times of peace, the Merchant Navy plays a vital and heroic role in helping to protect our freedoms and liberty.”