MEMBERS of the community joined Evesham Royal British Legion (Evesham RBL) and town council representatives to mark Merchant Navy Day 2025 with a short service outside the Almonry Museum on Wednesday (September 3).
This was the first occasion where the Merchant Navy flag, the Red Ensign, fondly known as the Red Duster, has been flown in Evesham.
Those present were welcomed by Evesham RBL chair Phillip Rowne-Speed and the Revd Andy Green who led the commemoration.
The flag was provided and was raised by Robert Hall, 74, who joined the Merchant Navy in 1967, as a 16 year old. The ship on which he served was involved in the delivery of fuel to the American forces in Vietnam.
The annual awareness day highlights the indispensable role of Merchant Navy seafarers during the First and Second World Wars.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of The Seafarers’ Charity’s ‘Fly the Red Ensign’ campaign, which attempts to address a lack of awareness about the contributions of merchant seafarers.
Phillip Rowne-Speed said: “We had a very good turnout for the first of raising the flag and awareness of Merchant Navy Day. Our very own veteran Robert Hall, a proud seaman raised the flag to remember his comrades.
“We were pleased to be joined by councillors John Clatworthy mayor of Evesham town council, and Marion Griffiths his consort.”
Visit The Seafarers’ Charity theseafarerscharity.org for further information about the history of the Merchant Navy and flying the Red Ensign.
