Council honours Merchant Navy

HMS Bulwark is taking part in Cougar, a three month deployment to the Mediterranean as part of the United Kingdomâ¬"s Response Force Task Group, exercising with key allies. Exercises will include Corsican Lion, which will test the maritime element of the UK-French Combined Joined Expeditionary Force (CJEF), and exercise Albanian Lion which will provide superb faculties for the Lead Commando Group to train with Albanian forces, consolidating our relationship.

Picture taken during a photex of Cougar 12 task force with HMS Bulwark taking the lead. The other vessels in the group are HMS Illustrious, RFA Mounts Bay, HMS Montrose, HMS Northumberland and Merchant Vessel Hartland Point.

Picture shows HMS Illustrious during the photex.

Photograph by LA(Phot) Joel Rouse
HMS Bulwark

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http://www.youtube.com/twosixtv — HMS Bulwark is taking part in Cougar, a three month deployment to the Mediterranean as part of the United Kingdomâ¬"s Response Force Task Group, exercising with key allies. Exercises will include Corsican Lion, which will test the maritime element of the UK-French Combined Joined Expeditionary Force (CJEF), and exercise Albanian Lion which will provide superb faculties for the Lead Commando Group to train with Albanian forces, consolidating our relationship. Picture taken during a photex of Cougar 12 task force with HMS Bulwark taking the lead. The other vessels in the group are HMS Illustrious, RFA Mounts Bay, HMS Montrose, HMS Northumberland and Merchant Vessel Hartland Point. Picture shows HMS Illustrious during the photex. Photograph by LA(Phot) Joel Rouse HMS Bulwark http://www.facebook.com/royalnavy http://www.pinterest.com/royalnavy http://www.youtube.com/royalnavyofficial http://www.youtube.com/twosixtv

The Merchant Navy played a crucial and perilous role during both world wars and had comparatively little recognition for the risks and the lives that were taken on the high seas.

Now, East Renfrewshire Council is calling for anyone who served in the Merchant Navy to come forward with their stories. Merchant Navy Day will be celebrated in the UK on Thursday, September 3.

The council is looking at ways to mark the occasion and wants to hear from any men or women with a story to tell from their days at sea.

The council will also raise the flag of the Merchant Navy, the Red Ensign, in front of its headquarters at Eastwood Park, in recognition of the day.

Provost Alastair Carmichael: “The Merchant Navy past and present has often been an unsung service but many who have sailed the globe under our country’s colours have shown sacrifice and bravery.

“They helped keep the country afloat during wartime and, in peacetime, often face challenging conditions while doing their job.

“Merchant Navy Day is a way to celebrate all those who have carried out a range of roles over the years.

“I would encourage anyone who has seen service and has a story they want to share with us, to please get in touch.”

Anyone in East Renfrewshire who wants to tell us their story should contact Margaret Pettigrew at [email protected] or call 0141 577 3107. You can also write to Members’ Services, East Renfrewshire Council, Eastwood Park, Giffnock, G46 6UG.