Sacrifice of the Merchant Navy

Sir, – I am saddened the very high losses of the Merchant Navy have once again been lost during reports covering VE Day celebrations and remembrance.

Many do not appreciate that merchant ships were the primary target of Hitler’s U-boats in an attempt to starve the population into submission and deny industry of vital raw materials.

Such was the shortage of ships, many vessels that would normally have been condemned or normally not suitable for oceanic crossings were forced into service, lumbering along at speeds often below eight knots.

If a ship broke down, it was left to its own devices, the risk to other ships in the convoy far too great should they slow or stop for a disabled vessel.

One in three merchant seafarers did not return, a higher loss percentage than any of our armed forces.

And if they did survive in a lifeboat and picked up following an attack, the old adage of “no ship, no pay” was enforced for the early years of the war.

Readers with access to the internet could do well to search for “PQ17”, the convoy with the highest

“One in three merchant seafarers did not return, a higher loss percentage than any of our armed forces

loss rate during the Second World War.

Even on their return to the UK, as ratings were not issued with uniforms, they were refused refreshments given out to forces personnel at railheads and ports.

The “Battle of the Atlantic” as Churchill called it, was the longest of the war and, as he admitted, the only battle that gave him sleepless nights.

The Red Ensign of the Merchant Navy is the only civilian flag to fly upon the Cenotaph in London in very worthy recognition of the service merchant seafarers gave to their country.

Please remember them on Merchant Navy day on the third of September.

Colin Topping. 26 Crathes Close, Glenrothes.