Carousel slide 1 imageSeptember 3 is the anniversary of the sinking of the first British merchant ship in 1939 after World War II began
The merchant seamen were not immune to the horrors of war. They were shipwrecked, killed, and sent to prisoner-of-war camps, just as the defence forces were. In spite of their vital service, when they returned home from World War II, they were left off the ANZAC memorial walls and ceremonies, not recognised for their efforts.
MERCHANT NAVY DAY
While the ships were often caught up in conflict, the fleet wasn't given recognition as the "fourth service" alongside the army, airforce and navy until 2010 in New Zealand.
THE RED ENSIGN
A recent development is the acknowledgement and recognition of the Merchant Navy in New Zealand. The Red Ensign is flown on 3 Sept from the Auckland Harbour Bridge, from the New Zealand Maritime Museum, and around the country to commemorate the role of the Merchant Navy.
With the Ode of Remembrance, online service 2020
RECOGNITION OF SERVICE
Civilians in the Merchant Navy did not always receive recognition for their service, despite frequent exposure to danger in war time. However, from 1919, a range of medals were awarded for service and bravery in war zones. Merchant Navy badges issued to British seafarers during World War II clearly identified the wearer as having served his or her country.
Awarded to George William Sutton for his service in the Merchant Navy during World War I
WORN WITH PRIDE
As a civilian force, members of the Merchant Navy usually didn't wear a uniform - only their ‘MN’ badge identified them.
The sweetheart badges below are made of silver and enamel, and bears the insignia of the Merchant Navy. It has been customised with the addition of a woman’s name, ‘Kathleen’ and a pin so she could wear it proudly on her jacket for all to see. Who Kathleen was (or is) and the identity of her sweetheart is unknown, but this small token of affection still has stories to tell.
Brooches like these were especially popular in wartime, given by men serving in the armed forces to their loved ones – girlfriends, sisters and mums included – as tokens of love and remembrance. Worn with pride, (just like Mrs Balfour is doing in the photo below) these brooches were symbols of love, support and personal sacrifice. They always bore the insignia of the regiment the soldier or seaman was serving with, and were usually personalised in some way. Many, like this one, are completely unique.
Left. Mrs H B Balfour wearing a Merchant Navy sweetheart badge.
Right. 'Kathleen' engraved sweetheart badge
The civilian seafarers uniform
