About Merchant Navy Day:
In 2010 the New Zealand Government announced that they would join Britain and other Commonwealth countries to commemorate those who served in the Merchant Navy during war time. The date chosen was 3rd September as this observes the sinking of the first British merchant ship in 1939, just hours after WWII was declared. 2023 marks the 84th anniversary.
About Merchant Navy:
Several thousand New Zealanders have served in the Merchant Navy since WWI. These civilian volunteers sailed the ships that delivered troops, military equipment and vital cargoes of food, fuel and raw materials across the world's oceans. This work was so essential to the Allies' effort in WWII that the Merchant Navy was effectively regarded as the fourth service alongside the army, navy and air force.
Work on the ships was tough – but also full of adventure. Merchant seafarers often found themselves in the front lines of the war at sea. Many ships were torpedoed or bombed; survivors sometimes spent days or weeks in lifeboats before being rescued. More than 140 New Zealand merchant seafarers lost their lives during WWII, and a similar number were taken prisoner. No other group of New Zealand civilians faced such risks during wartime.
Source: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/the-merchant-navy
