Merchant Navy Association

THE ORIGINAL

Merchant Navy Association
Chairman Mr. Jack Murphy. D.S.M.
General Secretary Mr. John Norwood.

403 Langworthy Pendletion. Salford. M6 7AH.

Membership Secretary. Mr. Tony Thomas,

26 Timberfield Road

Saughall.

Chester. CH1 6AP

STOP PRESS

Our President & Founder Mr. Fred Harrell sadly passed away Friday the 27th April after a long illness.Our Deepest sympathy goes out to all Fred's Family, from all shipmates within The Merchant Navy Association.

Now Official. Merchant Navy Day 3rd September.

SEE SOLENT PAGE.

The recent arrival of the salvaged German U-Boat in the Birkenhead docks serves as a stark reminder of the losses suffered by the Merchant Navy fleet in keeping the essential supply lines open during WW2, and the staggering loss of their heroic crews.

It seems strange, therefore, to learn that the Merchant Navy Association was launched only in 1989. Two ex-wartime merchant seamen got together and wondered if any interest would be shown in the forming of such a group. They were Fred Harrell and Barrie Osborne of the Midlands.

They were not over optimistic as so many years had elapsed since World War 2 and most of the shipmates of that era are now senior citizens.

To say that they were amazed at the response is probably an understatement. Before long, a large group of ex-merchant seamen met and the first branch was formed in the midlands. This was in 1989. Word soon spread and in 1990 a second branch was opened in Exeter. Since then, 17 other branches have been formed nationwide. The first A.G.M. was held in theUnited Services Club in Birmingham in 1991 when members of the newly formed branches came together and officially formed the

MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION

We have now accepted the red ensign in the form of our National and Local standards, and they have been paraded at various remembrance services, in particular the Battle of the Atlantic 50th anniversary commemorated on the Mersey, 'D' Day landings, the V.E. and V.J. Days, the Remembrance service on Tower Hill, the Merchant Navy Day Service. Quite recently, the standards were paraded at the Royal Tournament.

The Merchant Navy Association feels that it's promotion is essential to maintain a reminder of the country's maritime heritage. The debt that is owed for the sacrifice made by so many British merchant seamen will be kept for ever in the minds of the nation.

As well as this commitment, we also enjoy the social side of things. Our wives, friends and relatives who have sympathy with our aims and principles can become associate members.

If you served under the Red or Blue Ensign, if you were a British seafarer serving under flags of convenience or a member of H.M. forces serving on merchant ships in a specialist capacity,
whether it be for a few months or many years, you will be made very welcome.

Why not visit merchantnavy.com while you are online?

Please visit

For Seafarers Poem & Painting.

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Freedom of the City Of Southampton.

At a special meeting of the council on 17th October 2pm the following motion to be moved and seconded.

That the Honorary Freedom of the City be formally handed over to the Merchant Navy Association at a special ceremony to be held at the conclusion of the City's remembrance Service on 11th November 2001.

Scrolls and caskets will be commissioned for this occasion and will be received by

Captain Gordon Ward, Solent Chairman.

A special thank you to Rt.Hon. John Denham M.P. and all local councillors for their drive and support for this great day for the people of Southampton.

Solent. M.N.A.

Reply by captain Gordon Ward, Solent Chairman.

Your Worship the Mayor and City Councillors.

May I, on behalf of the Merchant Navy Association ( Solent Branch ) thank the City Council for it's decision to grant the Honorary Freedom of the City to this organisation. We are extremely proud and deeply honoured by your gesture and accept this, not only for the members of the Association but for all Officers and Ratings of the Merchant Navy, both men and women, past and present, whose calling has been a major contributor to the economic success of this port city and indeed, of this country.

It is most fitting that this honour should be bestowed on Remembrance day, when the City and the Nation remembers those who gave their lives in the service of their country. It is generally forgotten that thousands of Merchant Navy personnel gave their lives in order that the country survived the wars, and also that nowadays, many continue to give their lives while undertaking the considerable seaborne trade essential to this island nation.

It is a tribute to the maritime spirit of Southampton that such an Honour be bestowed upon the Merchant Navy so soon after the Government finally recognised the valuable economic contribution and support made by the service, by acknowledging a National Merchant Navy Day, last year.

Once again, on behalf of all of the seafaring fraternity of Southampton we thank you most sincerely.