[BITList] Snowdon Media Release - Honouring Australia's Merchant Mariners[DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]

[John Feltham]

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Subscription List
 
Tuesday, 3 September 2013
 
HONOURING AUSTRALIA’S MERCHANT MARINERS
 
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon has asked Australians to pause and remember the courage and sacrifice of merchant mariners in times of war, this Merchant Navy Day.
 
Since 2008, Merchant Navy Day has been commemorated on 3 September. The date marks the sinking of the first Allied merchant vessel, the British liner Athenia, on the first day of the Second World War.
 
“The work undertaken by thousands of Australian merchant mariners during the First and Second World Wars and the Vietnam War was a dangerous but vital part of the war effort,” Mr Snowdon said.
 
“In May this year, Australia and allied nations marked 70 years since the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest battle of the Second World War.
 
“Merchant mariners served throughout the battle, which protected crucial supply lines of the Allies in the Atlantic Ocean and contributed to the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany,” he said.
 
The cost of the battle was brutal, an estimated 65,000 Allied merchant seamen and naval personnel lost their lives. Some 6,000 aircrew, who flew escort missions over the convoys, were also killed and around 5,000 British and Allied ships were sunk.
 
“The brave efforts of merchant mariners in the Battle of the Atlantic, and in many other conflicts, ensured the delivery of vital troops, equipment and supplies. Merchant mariners also helped evacuate stranded civilians from dangerous areas.
 
“Merchant mariners served on Australian, Commonwealth and Allied ships, as well as merchant ships from other nations.
 
More than 400 Australian merchant mariners are known to have lost their lives in the line of duty, their names marked on honour rolls across the country. It is likely that many more were killed serving in the merchant navies of other countries.
 
“Today we honour the memory all merchant mariners who have served in defence of Australia – their sacrifice will always be honoured by a grateful nation,” Mr Snowdon said.
 
Media inquiries:      Marcus Butler (Mr Snowdon): 0417 917 796
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
 
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) and Veterans Line can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046.
 
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