VANZ News Issue 4
Merchant Navy Day
New Zealand’s first official Merchant Navy Day was marked by a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial on 3 September. During WWII merchant fleets were the lifeblood of the Allied war effort. They operated in every theatre of the war, carrying troops and supplying military forces with food, weapons and ammunition. This was an aspect of war that was hard, monotonous and dangerous. The ships not only faced attack by aircraft, warships or U-boats, but also the usual hazards of voyaging at sea. The men of the Merchant Navy are the only civilians to be honoured at the National War Memorial. At least 120 New Zealanders died while serving in Allied merchant fleets and around 130 were captured or detained.
This page was last reviewed
18 April, 2012
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