Each year, on 3 September, we commemorate Merchant Navy Day.
Marked on the anniversary of the sinking of the first Allied merchant ship during the Second World War, we reflect on the critical role of merchant mariners in Australia’s wartime history.
The Merchant Navy provided an invaluable lifeline to Allied countries and to armed forces through the delivery of personnel, supplies, equipment and ammunition. Merchant seamen sailed through turbulent waters across the globe. They carried out their duties in diverse conditions, from the sleet and snow of the Atlantic and Arctic Circle seas to the unending heat of the Pacific and Indian oceans. Their ships were often unarmed, reliant on escorting warships to protect them from submarines and aircraft. Despite the constant threat of enemy ships, submarines, aircraft, sea mines and even surface raiders the Merchant Navy worked without end, to supply the home and battle fronts.
Approximately 20,000 Allied merchant seamen lost their lives in the First World War, and more than 45,000 Allied merchant seamen lost their lives in the Second World War. The Australian Merchant Seamen’s Memorial at the Australian War Memorial names 182 Australian merchant seamen known to have lost their lives in the First World War and 386 more in the Second World War. We will never know the specific number of Australians who served or lost their lives because many others served on other Allied merchant ships.
Today, we recognise those who often sailed into danger aboard the passenger, transport and cargo ships of the Merchant Navy during the two world wars. The actions of merchant seamen are a reminder that service comes in many forms.
We remember their vital contributions to the war effort, acknowledge the risks they took, the crucial role they played, and remain grateful for their service and sacrifice, both in times of war and peace.
Lest we forget.
Visit our Anzac Portal to delve deeper into the significance of Merchant Navy Day.
Naval Reserve Depot Sydney - Merchant Servicemen at gun practice (c. October 1939).
Images courtesy of the Australian War Memorial.