A service to remember and pray for Merchant Navy seafarers has taken place in Southampton, a city with a long maritime history. The annual event was held last Sunday 1 September at the ruins of Holy Rood Church on Southampton High St, which was regularly used by seafarers until it was bombed in World War II. The ruins are now a memorial to sailors who gave their lives in service.
At the service attended by veterans of the Merchant Navy and members of Southampton sea cadets, wreaths were laid where the church altar used to stand, and the last post was played. A poem by Keats was also read out along with a description of life at sea.
It was led by Father James Mosher, Port Chaplain in Southampton with the Mission for Seafarers. He said, “We commemorate all those who’ve ever served in the Merchant Navy and we pray for all those who have died at sea. Even today, over 90% of goods that come to the UK arrive by ship and so the simple economics is that without shipping, there really wouldn’t be a UK and without seafarers, there wouldn’t be ships. So, these men and women make it possible for us to enjoy the lives we have today.”
Then on Tuesday 3 September, Merchant Navy Day was marked by a flag-raising ceremony outside Southampton Civic Offices. The Merchant Navy flag, the Red Ensign, was blessed by Father James Mosher who was joined by Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor David Shields. Merchant Navy Day was introduced in 2000 to highlight the vital role of merchant seafarers – past, present, and future.
The Lord Mayor said, “Southampton has been a trading port for 2000 years. The prosperity of this city is dependent on our relationship with the sea and a lot of people have devoted their lives to seafaring and often at some risk to themselves. In the 19th century, the highest fatality rate of any profession was in seafaring and the contribution of our merchant fleet, during the struggles of war, is often overlooked. So, it’s very important that we commemorate that here in Southampton. On a personal note, many of my family were seafarers so that’s even more poignant for me.”
The short service outside the Civic Offices commemorated all who have served in the Merchant Navy, remembering those who had died at sea and giving thanks for the community who serve us today. Prayers were said for God’s blessing on seafarers and that they may find him as their strong anchor and there were prayers for peace on the waters in areas of conflict around the globe.
Among those present were veterans from the Merchant Navy, the Royal Navy, the Coastguard, representatives from the Port of Southampton and the Town Crier.
Paddy McClurg, Chair of the Royal Naval Association for Netley and Hamble, said, “I have come here to support our Merchant Navy friends because almost as many Merchant Navy lives were lost in World War II as in the Royal Navy. They had a hard war and did more for the nation than many people realise and need to be remembered.”
Martin Marum, Chairman of Merchant Navy Association Solent Branch, added, “It’s important that we raise a flag at the Civic Centre because we are like the forgotten people. We lost many colleagues during the first and second world war and in the conflicts like the Falklands. It’s good to see people attending this service and putting us back on the map. It’s very poignant.”
Much work takes place in Southampton to support the thousands of seafarers who come through the port each year with the work of the Port Chaplain and team of volunteers with the Mission to Seafarers. They not only provide spiritual care, but also help with practical support such as shopping, booking appointments, providing transport and trips out to explore the local area.
Father James added, “The mission to seafarers is a global charity, part of the Anglican Communion and we work in over 50 countries and 200 ports. Our work is to support the well-being of seafarers, of men and women who go to sea for often six or nine months every year, and are away from their family and their loved ones. Over half a million seafarers come to the Port of Southampton every year along with nearly 500 cruise ships. We want these men and women, who are passing through the port, to be able to get to experience a bit of England and to have some rest and to be fed in different ways. The work of the Mission to Seafarers has been taking place since the 1850s and it’s no less relevant today. Jesus meets people where they’re at. Our work is to go onto the ships and to spend time with seafarers of all faiths, religions, creeds and backgrounds and to celebrate our humanity. We’re in such a privileged position. We’re one of the few people who can step onto the ship and spend time with these men and women and you never know who you’re going to meet. We often only have 10 or 15 minutes with someone, but it’s so precious that time you have together.”
Each Wednesday at 6pm there is a Holy Communion service at St Michael the Archangel Church in Southampton where prayers are said for all seafarers.
