IT was a special day in Wisbech today as the Mayor and town council raised The Red Ensign over the town hall.
The occasion was to commemorate Merchant Navy Day , a tradition which recognises the nation’s gratitude to those who served in the Merchant Navy during the war.
Over 30,000 members of the British Merchant Navy lost their lives in the last war, beginning on September 3, 1939, a few hours after the war had been declared against Germany.
The first shipping casualty occurred with the sinking of the Donaldson Line passenger ship, Athenia, and the loss of 112 passengers and crew.
The Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Nick and Mrs Sarah Meekins and their son, Henry, joined Tommy Thompson and other fellow veterans to observe the flag rasing at Wisbech which was followed by a minute’s silence.
Merchant Navy Day was introduced ten years ago to rememember those who lost their lives in the 1939-45 war.
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