The Federation of
Merchant Mariners

News

Presentation of the United Kingdom Merchant Seafarers Veterans Badge

Tuesday 30th October 2012 by Councillor Keith Jones Deputy Lord Mayor of Cardiff and Council Representative for the Armed Forces 



The Deputy Lord Mayor of Cardiff in partnership with the Federation of Merchant Mariners and the Merchant Navy Association of Wales hosted a presentation of Veterans Badges to merchant seafarers and their guests in the historic surroundings of the Mansion House and was joined by H M Lord Lieutenant Dr P Beck, Commander Richard Bridger RN, and the Cardiff Harbourmaster,

Twenty Veterans were presented with the United Kingdom Merchant Seafarers Veterans Badge which is awarded to those United Kingdom merchant seafarers who served on a commercial vessel whilst it was in support of an operation by HM Armed Forces.

Derek Bristow OBE DL Chief Executive of the Federation of Merchant Mariners said “This exceptional Award to members of the merchant navy and fishing fleets has been made very special indeed by the Deputy Lord Mayor hosting such a prestigious and memorable presentation in the Capital City of Wales a Nation which lost so many seafarers on the infamous convoys during the war and conflicts since” 

Presentations have been held throughout the United Kingdom at the Palace of Westminster, The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Rye, Liverpool, Lowestoft, and at care homes to mention a few.

The Federation of Merchant Mariners continues in its aim seeking to ensure that the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets are recognised for their role in the development and defence of our Nation.

Why not join us and support our aim and also eradicate the usual cry of “No one mentions the Merchant Navy”.

Those wishing to apply for the United Kingdom Merchant Seafarers Veterans Badge, should contact the Federation of Merchant Mariners 16 Glebe Road, Brampton, Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE28 4PH
Telephone 01480412958—Email: info@merchant-mariners.co.uk

 

Merchant Navy Postage Stamps

Don Staddon's campaign to get the Post Office to authorise the creation of a set of Merchant Navy Stamps has paid off. The provisional launch date is to be September 2013. He's hoping that the Battle of the Atlantic will be commemorated.


Jubilee Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

Once again our members were invited by the Not Forgotten Association to attend the Annual Garden Party in the Grounds of Buckingham Palace....more...


Let’s help record the service of the Merchant Navy

The National Maritime Museum is indexing information from digitised images of crew lists dating from 1915 and it needs our help to have them in place by the anniversary of the First World War in 2014. The work involves working from home online and sending the completed work to the National Maritime Museum. If you have a computer then this is for you—volunteer to put the service of the Merchant Navy on the map! Further details from the Federation Office.


Jubilee celebrations and Anniversaries of wartime service of with the Merchant Navy

A mixture of tears and cheers has been the hallmark of this year for the Merchant Navy....more...


You knew those wild runs ashore would bring you good luck some day!

Do you remember Toby’s Bar in Shanghai, Hong Kong or Singapore between 1948 and 1959 or did you sail with Emanuel “Toby” Ebiember? Then a film company in New York would like to contact you. Further details can be obtained from the Federation Office.


The Arctic convoys

Recalling what Winston Churchill said was “The worst journey in the world” Veterans of the Arctic Convoys celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the convoys to aid the Russians.....more...


The Diamond Jubilee of HM the Queen

On 5th June 2012 Cunard held the largest celebration outside London....more...