manned by merchant seamen and women who displayed great courage and commitment to providing the support they were called upon to deliver.
In 1986, the South Australian merchant ship Falie, now based in Port Adelaide, became the primary vessel for world renowned shark expert Rodney Fox, for his shark and diving tours conducted around the South Australian coast. Prior to this the Falie was taken into military service during World War II ferrying troops and supplies to Papua New Guinea in enemy territory and later acting as a watch dog in Sydney Harbour. It was the Falie and her crew who discovered a Japanese midget submarine trying to infiltrate Sydney Harbour, alerting authorities to this Japanese presence in the heart of Australia. Later she carried explosives around the Australian coast.Members of both the British and Australian Merchant Navies are spread throughout Australia. We keep in touch and reunite with each other on a regular basis. In South Australia we meet at Cheltenham Cemetery on 10 July each year to commemorate “Sea Sunday” – a day we set aside to honour all seafarers who have given their lives in the service of their country. We meet at Cheltenham because there are more than 80 graves in this cemetery whose memorial headstones are dedicated to merchant seamen and women.Today many veterans of Australia’s Merchant Navy proudly wear medals presented by grateful foreign countries that have recognised their service during turbulent war years. Sadly, very few have been presented with medals by their own country. Thankfully 2008 marked a turning point and change in attitude by the Australian Government, and recognition is now slowly being addressed. With many merchant seamen who are veterans of World War II now in their nineties this recognition cannot come too soon.On Saturday 23 April this year, at the launch of the Anzac Centenary Memorial Walk in Adelaide, the Merchant Navy Crest was unveiled alongside Australia’s four defence force crests. In this remarkable local cut marble stone memorial, the Merchant Navy was formally recognised alongside the Australian Defence Force and Australia’s Navy, Army and Air Force, making it a fitting dedication to all who served.Two days later on 25 April, as part the 2016 Anzac Day Parade, the Merchant Navy Flag (Australian Red Ensign) flew alongside those of the three armed services, carried by the RSL Flag bearers at the head of the march. It was a proud moment for Maritime seamen and women past and present. This year too, marks 160 years since the establishment of the Mission of Seamen; a dedication to seafarers and their families across the world.The Merchant Navy proudly makes appearances at all service memorials and parades as the “4th service”. We lay wreaths alongside the armed forces in annual Remembrance Day Services held on 11 November, each year.Next time you reflect on those Australians who have provided service to their country during times of war spare a thought for the Merchant seamen and women who did their bit; both those who survived and those who did not; quietly and confidently ensuring Australia’s armed forces had all they needed at the battlefront while bearing the inevitable loss this merchant service has exacted.With more than 90% of all of the world’s trade still being carried by merchant vessels, merchant seamen and women are as relevant today as they ever were.Lest we forget.