Red duster flies proudly

The merchant navy’s ‘‘red duster’’ flag flew from the Auckland Harbour Bridge on Sunday, in honour of the oft-forgotten civilian force from World War II.

Takapuna resident Susan Wann is passionate about the September 3 merchant navy remembrance day and making sure the bravery of these seamen, including her father, is recognised.

The army, navy and air force couldn’t have done their job without the support of the merchant navy, Wann said.

‘‘But, when they came home, they were forgotten.’’

The Merchant Navy is a civil, privately owned enterprise, exporting vital lifelines such as food, fuel and munitions to the defence forces during conflict.

These merchant seamen were not immune to the horrors of war. They were shipwrecked, killed, and sent to prisoner-of-war camps, just as the defence forces were.

Yet, in spite of their vital service, when they returned home from World War II, they were left off the ANZAC memorial walls and ceremonies, not recognised for their efforts.

It was only in 2010, when the New Zealand Government announced it would join Britain and other Commonwealth countries to commemorate the merchant navy.

The date of September 3, was chosen because it observes the sinking of a British merchant ship in 1939, just hours after war was declared.

Wann’s father, Captain John Owens Wann, was born in Auckland in 1911 and was a member of the merchant navy throughout World War II.

When he returned, he lived, worked and raised his family on the North Shore, until his death in 2003, aged 92.

The third generation of seafarers in his family, it was ‘‘in his blood to go to sea’’, his daughter said.

‘‘Dad said he can’t believe he survived. But, no one knows about what he went through.’’

‘‘He lived his career,’’ she said. ‘‘He was so proud.’’

The New Zealand Maritime Museum hosted the annual remembrance service for the merchant navy on Sunday, September 3, at 11am on Princes Wharf.

The event included a public address and the laying of two wreathes in the marina.

Museum director Vincent Lipanovich said this date is an essential date in the museum’s calendar.

The merchant navy continues as a civil authority, the people who carry New Zealand’s trade and it is still a ‘‘risky’’ job, Lipanovich said.

‘‘It is a day to recognise their contribution to New Zealand’s history.

‘‘From WWI right through to present day.’’

‘‘But when they came home, they were forgotten.’’ Susan Wann