Douglas Borough Council marked Merchant Navy Day on September 3 by joining organisations across the island and the British Isles to raise a Red Ensign. The short ceremony was presided over by Her Worship the Mayor Councillor Sara Hackman, who raised the flag in acknowledgement of the courageous role played by the men and women of the Merchant Navy during two World Wars and whose ships sail the globe today.
The Mayor,, Councillor Sara Hackman, right, and mayoress, Councillor Carol Malarkey prepare to raise the Red Ensign
Her Worship said: ‘The Merchant Navy has a long and illustrious history that has seen it play a vital role in the commercial interests of the British Isles.’
The Mayor and Mayoress with Captain Stephen Carter
The Red Ensign, or ‘Red Duster’ as it is affectionately known, has been the recognised flag of the British Merchant Navy since1854.