Cadets join Lord Provost for Merchant Navy Memorial Day

Published: 2 September 2016

Glasgow's Lord Provost was joined by more than one hundred Merchant Navy cadets at a ceremony in George Square to mark Merchant Navy Memorial Day.

The official Merchant Navy Memorial Day falls on Saturday 3 September 2016. Glasgow's advance event was held to allow the cadets to participate.

Cadet Shawn Swanney (29) and Cadet Hannah Beebe (24) from the Faculty of Nautical studies, City of Glasgow College, read names from the Merchant Navy Roll of Honour which documents the details of thousands of Glaswegians who lost their lives.

A two minute's silence followed during which the Merchant Navy standard was dipped in salute to lost seafarers. The Red Ensign, the UK's official Merchant Navy flag was also be flown from the City Chambers.

Lord Provost Sadie Docherty led the wereth laying ceremony to remember Merchant Navy crews and fishermen who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars.

Bailie Nina Baker who has served in the Merchant Navy read the poem 'In Waters Deep' by Eileen Mahone. The Depute Lord Provost Gerry Leonard read Binyon's lines.

The Lord Provost said: "We are gathered to pay our respects to the men and women of the UK's Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleet who lost their lives in wartime. 

"Merchant Navy Memorial Day remembers those who served in the two World Wars and other conflicts. I'm delighted to be accompanied today by young men and women starting out on their Merchant Navy careers. 

"It's with a great sense of pride, and shared sorrow, that we join with seafaring veterans and their families, to express our gratitude and the gratitude of the people of Glasgow, for those brave men and women, lost at sea defending our shores."

Bailie Baker said: "I am very moved that so many more seafarers, former seafarers and their families are attending this year. Glasgow has the seafaring tradition at its roots."

Principal and Chief Executive of City of Glasgow College, Paul Little said: "As the UK's premiere maritime campus, our college cadets are proud to be part of this important occasion paying their respects to merchant navy seafarers lost at sea.

"It's also a great privilege for cadets Shawn Swanney and Hannah Beebe to be given this opportunity to read names from the Merchant Navy Roll of Honour."