Merchant Navy Day was marked today (3 September) in Horsham’s Carfax at the War Memorial.
Horsham District Council together with the Horsham branch of the Royal British Legion showed their support for the national ‘Fly the Red Ensign for Merchant Navy Day’ campaign by raising the British Merchant Navy’s official Red Ensign flag at Park House and laying wreaths at the War Memorial.
At the start of the ceremony, there was a traditional ringing of the eight bells where one bell is wrung eight times, which signifies the relief of a naval watch, followed by the observation of a one minute silence.
Wreaths were laid by Horsham District Council Chair Cllr Joanne Knowles and Horsham Branch Royal British Legion’s Chairman Zäl Rustom.
The campaign raises awareness of our island nation’s dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers - past, present and future.