London honors merchant seafarers who served in 1982

In London, United Kingdom, the Falkland Islands Government Representative to the United Kingdom and Europe, Richard Hyslop, laid a wreath on behalf of the archipelago's residents and authorities. This took place during the annual Merchant Navy Day service in Trinity Square Gardens. The ceremony was held near the Falkland Islands Memorial, located within the Merchant Navy Memorial. Hyslop said that participants in the event annually honor the service and sacrifices of merchant seafarers who served during the 1982 Falklands War. Ceremony participants The event was also attended by veterans of the South Atlantic Medal Association, which brings together participants in the 1982 conflict. Those present included Lord West of Spithead, patron of the Merchant Navy Association, former First Sea Lord and a veteran of that campaign. Chris Locke, a former senior officer of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, also attended the ceremony. He previously served as a marine officer and harbor master of the Falkland Islands. Hyslop thanked the merchant navy for its role in supporting the archipelago, MercoPress reports. More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram. Civilian vessels in the conflict Merchant Navy Day is observed annually on September 3, the anniversary of the sinking of the SS Athenia in 1939. It was the first British merchant ship lost during World War II. The Red Ensign of the merchant navy is flown in recognition of an industry that handles more than 90% of the United Kingdom's trade. During the 1982 conflict, the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence requisitioned or chartered dozens of civilian vessels under the Ships Taken Up From Trade scheme. They included the liners Canberra and Queen Elizabeth 2, which were used to transport troops. The converted container ship Atlantic Conveyor was struck by a missile on May 25, 1982, and sank. Twelve people were killed, including Captain Ian North, while heavy transport helicopters intended for the land campaign were lost with the vessel. Maritime transport remains important for the Falkland Islands, which depend on supplies by sea and exports of fish products. Read us on Telegram and Sends Download our app