Sevenoaks District Council flies the Red Ensign for Merchant Navy Day

Scarlet and Jamie (left and above) from Westerham Sea Cadets raise the Merchant Navy Red Ensign.

THE Red Ensign was raised above the Sevenoaks District Council offices on Monday (3 September) in honour of the British Merchant Navy.

The raising of the Ensign by members of the Westerham Sea Cadets was overseen by council chairman Cllr Pat Bosley who was joined by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lord Sackville, plus the Mayors of Swanley and Sevenoaks.

Cllr Bosley, said: “For too long, the contribution made by the Merchant Navy during the Second World War went unrecognised. But we now proudly honour the huge price they paid for not only ensuring the vital supplies for our war effort in our hour of need, but also in supplying our allies and our armed forces elsewhere in times of conflict.

“As an island and a trading nation, the Merchant Navy has been essential to our survival and prosperity. It is only right that we celebrate their past and present sacrifices.”