DAWLISH joined many other locations across the country on Saturday to commemorate Merchant Navy Day.

The commemoration at the flagpole by the Piazza on The Lawn was attended by the mayor of Dawlish, Cllr Lisa Mayne, fellow town councillors, and members of the Dawlish Royal British Legion.

The Merchant Navy Flag, the ‘Red Duster’, was hoisted by Barry Cockram of the Merchant Navy to a General Salute bugle call by Alison Sweet of Torbay Brass Band.

The Dawlish RBL Branch Standard was paraded by Tyla Elliott and the Exhortation was given by Lt Cdr Tom Elliott MBE. Prayers were given by Rev Dallas Ayling and the mayor read the message from His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex and Forfar KG, GCVO President of The Seafarers’ Charity.

The Earl’s message made clear the important role the Merchant Navy played during the war. He said: ‘This year’s Merchant Navy Day is a poignant one. Essentially, today is the day we remember the forgotten or invisible service; the men and women responsible for carrying up to 95 per cent of our island nation’s trade.

‘Regrettably, it is only during times of war that the service enters our consciousness, whether that be the Second World War or the Falklands War 40 years ago. It may be a civilian service, but it ranks on the same level as the Armed Forces because of its critical role.

‘In this, Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, we also recognise her position as Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets as well as patron of The Seafarers’ Charity, duties the Queen has undertaken for 70 remarkable years.’

The Commemoration was completed with the playing of the National Anthem. Lt Cdr Elliott also wore the medals of his father, Thomas Ferguson Elliott, who had served in the merchant Navy during WW2 and survived three sinkings.

After the event as RBL Dawlish Branch chairman Richard Hayward was joined at the club by fellow Merchant Navy man, Red Duster raiser Barry Cockram. Richard said: ‘He served in the Merchant Navy, he joined in 1968 serving with The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA). During his time he served on the RFA’s Retainer, Tidesurge, Engadine and Lyness.

‘As you can see we raised a tot of rum to celebrate the occasion and to toast Her Majesty the Queen followed by Lost Comrades.’