TRIBUTES are paid each year to commemorate the passengers and crew who lost their lives when the first UK merchant ship - the SS Athenia sunk during World War II.

The ceremony remembers the 128 passengers and crew and pays tribute to the country’s reliance on the Merchant Navy while remembering their service and sacrifice.

The flag-raising ceremony took place on Friday September 2 at County Hall in Trowbridge as Wiltshire Council paid tribute.

Council vice-chairman Cllr James Sheppard was joined by Air Vice-Marshal David Couzens, deputy lieutenant of Wiltshire and former Merchant and Royal Navy sailors to hoist the Red Ensign.

Cllr Sheppard said: “This ceremony is a fitting way to mark the important role the Merchant Navy has played in our nation’s history.

“We will never forget the immense courage of countless Merchant Navy sailors who have kept Britain fed and supplied during the darkest days of war. Many lost their lives, and we owe our freedom to their selfless bravery.”

The annual ceremony raises awareness of the importance of the Merchant Navy.

 

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