Navy News
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.
RFA joins Merchant Navy comrades in remembering sailors’ sacrifices – and triumphs – at annual service
10 September 2025
Royal Fleet Auxiliary sailors stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their Merchant Navy brethren on the day dedicated to those who do business in great waters.
Merchant Navy Day is a celebration of all those who, past and present, keep global trade flowing under the Red Ensign.
And it also remembers all those who have lost their lives – in war and peace – in delivering goods to and from the mother country on the Seven Seas.
Trinity Square Gardens in London’s Tower Hill is the focal point for events, featuring a service of thanksgiving and a parade attended by VIPs including Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell and the head of the RFA Commodore Sam Shattock as Parade President, who was accompanied by honorary RFA Captain and legendary yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.
In this 80th anniversary year of VE and VJ Days, the sacrifices of the merchant marine between 1939-45 was on the minds of all present.
One in four men under the Red Ensign was killed, wounded or captured in World War 2, more than 47,000 souls in all – chiefly, but not exclusively, in the Atlantic and Arctic – adding to 15,000 men lost in the Great War.
The RFA is affiliated with the Mercantile Marine and many RFA personnel share training with their Red Ensign counterparts.
We recognised the crucial part played by the Merchant Navy in securing victory in Europe and Japan, alongside the RFA’s 120-year history of supporting Defence.
And, like the Merchant Fleet, the RFA has suffered in times of conflict as the crucial support arm of the Royal Navy from WW1 through to the Falklands.
As for celebration, as an island nation the maritime sector remains key to the lifeblood of the UK and its prosperity.
While Britain’s Merchant Navy does not account for 33 per cent of global tonnage as it did in 1939, there are still more than 1,000 ships which fly the Red Ensign – and some 25,000 people employed in the sector.
“It was an honour to act as parade president for today’s Merchant Navy Parade,” said Commodore Sam Shattock.
“We recognised the crucial part played by the Merchant Navy in securing victory in Europe and Japan, alongside the RFA’s 120-year history of supporting Defence.”
The RFA Standard was carried paraded by 1st Officer (CIS) Gary Barrowcliffe RFA, flanked by MedTech Dougie McMillan and CPO Mark Amato, while a Guard of Honour was provided by personnel from HMS President.
“It was an honour to attend the Merchant Navy Commemoration and represent the Maritime Reserves to confirm our strong commitment and thanks for all the Merchant Navy do for our island nation,” said parade commander Lieutenant George Devereese.