Merchant Navy sailors honoured

Bob Gibson PHOTO/FILE

More than 30 people turned out to the service to mark Merchant Navy Day at the Wanganui Cenotaph yesterday, much to the delight of Bob Gibson.

Mr Gibson, 87, sailed all over the globe as part of the Merchant Navy in World War II and lost many friends. He was a driving force behind gaining recognition for the service and a memorial day was finally granted in New Zealand in 2010.

"The Merchant Navy has always been the bridesmaid to the other armed forces but we lost more men per capita than any of the other armed forces."

The Merchant Navy carried essential supplies including food and ammunition during the war and ran terrible risks of attack from German submarines and other enemy ships.

September 3 was chosen as, while it is the anniversary of the start of World War II, it is also the day on which the first Merchant Navy ship - the SS Athenia - was sunk in 1939. Representatives of conflicts including Korea, Vietnam and Crete were present at yesterday's service, which also included a bugler and bagpipers.

"We are very grateful to have the full support of the RSA. It's good to see the boys here."

More than 50,000 allied sailors were killed, including 150 from New Zealand, during the war.

Mr Gibson gave an emotional tribute: "This day is for those whose only grave was the sea."