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Hosted by No 6 Area, Royal Naval Association

Huntingdon & District Branch No 6 Area 

Merchant Navy Day, 3rd September 2014

Karl Webb ,

On Wednesday 3rd September 2014, the Chairman of Huntingdonshire District Council, Cllr Alan Mackender-Lawrence, hosted the annual flag-raising ceremony to mark Merchant Navy Day. VIPs and Guests included the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire, Colonel Derek Bristow OBE DL, the Mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr Bill Hensley, the Revd Andrew Milton, Councillors and representatives of community associations (including shipmate Karl Webb representing Huntingdon & District Branch of the Royal Naval Association).

Standard Bearers line up as the Chair HDC addresses all attendees
Standard Bearers line up as the Chair HDC addresses all attendees

The Royal British Legion and Royal Air Force Association provided Standard Bearers (sadly, the Royal Naval Association’s Branch Standard Bearer was unable to attend due to a family funeral). With VIPs and guests in place, the service began with the Chairman giving a brief history of the Merchant Navy, and of their role during war as well as times of peace.

The Chair HDC, Alan Mackendar-Lawrence gives a brief history of the Merchant Navy
The Chair HDC, Alan Mackendar-Lawrence gives a brief history of the Merchant Navy

The Reverend Andrew Milton was asked to Bless the Merchant Navy ensign (fondly referred to as the ‘Red Duster’) before the Chairman hoisted it outside of the Council HQ.

The Revd Andrew Milton Blesses the 'Red Duster'
The Revd Andrew Milton Blesses the ‘Red Duster’
The Red Duster is hoisted to mark Merchant Navy Day
The Red Duster is hoisted to mark Merchant Navy Day

A minute’s silence followed, Standards were dipped in the usual mark of respect as we remembered those seafarers past, present, and those who will follow. After the minute’s silence, Colonel Derek Bristow gave thanks to those in attendance and passed on messages from the Lord Lieutenant on behalf of Her Majesty.

Colonel Derek Bristow thanks all attendees on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant and HM the Queen
Colonel Derek Bristow thanks all attendees on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant and HM the Queen

On completion of the ceremony, the Chairman invited all participants to attend a reception and light refreshments.
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Gallery: Click on the first image to view other photographs taken during the flag-raising ceremony:

Standard Bearers take up their positions Final preps before the start of the ceremony Merchant Navy Day, Flag raising ceremony 2014 Chair of HDC gives a brief history of the Merchant Navy
Sea Cadets also represent the naval services Merchant Navy Day, Flag raising ceremony 2014 The Royal Air Force Association also show their support Revd Andrew Milton leads the attendees in prayer before Blessing the ensign
The 'Red Duster' is Blessed by the Revd Andrew Milton Merchant Navy Day, Flag raising ceremony 2014 Standards are carried prior to the flag being hoisted And the flag is raised by the Chair HDC
Merchant Navy Day, Flag raising ceremony 2014 Merchant Navy Day, Flag raising ceremony 2014 Merchant Navy Day, Flag raising ceremony 2014 The Minute's Silence is respected by all
Merchant Navy Day, Flag raising ceremony 2014 Standards are carried once more Colonel Derek Bristow passes on messages from the Lord Lieutenant and HM the Queen Merchant Navy Day, Flag raising ceremony 2014
The Sea Cadets look on Merchant Navy Day, Flag raising ceremony 2014 Colonel Bristow closes the ceremony