The Merchant Navy Association
Barnsley Branch of The Merchant Navy Association is a new branch of the National Merchant Navy Association, below is some information on our parent organisation.
Beginnings and History
The Association came off the slipway in 1989. The forming of Merchant Navy Association was inspired by the initiative and untiring efforts of two ex-wartime Merchant Seamen, Fred Harrell and Barry Osborne. The response to their advert in the local press enabled the Midlands Branch to be established that year. The Exeter Branch was second off the stocks in 1990 and other branches have subsequently been established throughout the UK and abroad. It has grown into a formidable and respected organisation for seafarers to represent the interests of serving and retired seafarers.
The object of the Association is to gain recognition for the part played by the Merchant Navy in the defence, development and sustenance of this nation. It will do this by perpetuating the memory of those seafarers that have died in the service of their country, foster the pride in our national maritime heritage and encourage present and future generations to heed the call of the sea. It brings together people with a love of the sea and ships, provides facilities for welfare, and keeps shipmates in touch with one another. By uniting all the branches throughout the UK and abroad we will achieve our objectives. Events are organised locally, nationally and internationally and we have a voice at national level to represent our member's views.
The Merchant Navy has served the nation in time of peace and war. The Red Ensign has flown in every corner of the globe on exploration, trade and in support of the Armed Forces.
The Merchant Navy Memorial at Tower Hill records the names of 36,000 seafarers of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who died in both World Wars and have no known grave but the sea.
In the Second World War the Merchant Navy had a higher ratio of casualties than any of our Armed Services. The total sacrifice during the 20th century is known to be over 46,000 men and women.
With such devoted and unstinting service to the nation it will not come as any surprise to find that many seafarers felt somewhat overlooked and forgotten when the laurels and accolades were being bestowed. People are fully aware of the much deserved patronage and support given to the armed services over many years. Many people, not just seafarers, wished the Merchant Navy to be similarly acknowledged and were just waiting for a lead and an opportunity to do so. It seemed that the recognition for the 'Merchant Service' was long overdue.
In 1999, for the first time, members of the Merchant Navy were 'allowed' to take part in the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. They were not officially invited because they had not been 'under command'.
A party of the MNA attended and, led by the National Chairman, marched proudly down Whitehall. If those 'under command' had waited as long for the Merchant Navy to join them in their military gatherings in the North Atlantic, Western Approaches, Korea, Falklands etc. as it took for the military to invite them to the Cenotaph, there may well have been no national service of remembrance to invite anyone to.
Our achievement of the official recognition of a National Merchant Navy Day on the 3rd of September has been long awaited. This date marked the opening day of the Second World War and commemorates the first maritime casualty when a U-boat with the loss of 19 crew, both men and women, and 93 passengers sank the SS ‘Athenia’, an unarmed merchant ship. This date, therefore, has a special significance for the Merchant Navy.
On that day, 3rd September every year from the year 2000 onward, Red Ensigns will be seen flying proudly from both public and private buildings throughout the United Kingdom. This will remind the Nation of our maritime heritage. We will remember those who have 'crossed the bar' - we will remember them!
It is not solely an organisation for veterans but welcomes seafarers of any age. It particularly wishes to encourage young people who show an interest in the sea. Join us in our endeavours. Full Membership of the Association is open to any member of Merchant Navy or Fishing Fleets who have signed articles under the Red or Blue Ensigns. Associate Membership is offered to all that support our objectives.