Merchant Navy Day September 2026

Holywell Town Council have raised the Red Ensign to honour the brave men and women who kept the UK afloat during both World Wars and to celebrate the modern day Merchant Navy who play a vital role in transporting the UK’s trade.

The President of The Seafarers Charity, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh said the following:

“Merchant Navy Day is the one moment we can acknowledge the invisible service. By flying the Red Ensign on this day, you will be recognising the approximately 25,000 men and women working at sea carrying around 95% of our island nation’s trade. Regrettably, it is only during times of war that their service enters our consciousness, as is sadly the case today with seafarers running the gauntlet in the Red Sea. This is our one opportunity to show our seafarers how much we value them, past and present, as well as their families”

Pictured is The Mayor of Holywell, Cllr Pat Corbett and Councillors this morning at the raising of The Red Ensign.