03
Sept
Harrogate remembers seafarers with Merchant Navy Day service
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The 51,000 British seafarers who have lost their lives whilst serving were honoured today (September 3) by the Harrogate White Rose branch of the Merchant Navy Association.
The service was held at midday at the Harrogate War Memorial and led by retired ship captain and secretary of Harrogate White Rose branch John Clarry.
Merchant Navy Day is commemorated every year on September 3. The date marks the start of the Second World War and its first casualties: 117 passengers and crew who were killed when the German navy torpedoed the British passenger liner SS Athenia north-west of Ireland.
The service has been held by the Harrogate White Rose branch since 2010 to commemorate the lives lost in service and to remember those still serving.
Mr Clarry told the Stray Ferret:
It’s vital to remember the people with no grave but the sea, the people that didn’t come back.
Mr Clarry read a poem at the service by former merchant seaman John Manton Capps, who died last year. Mr Capps’ daughter and granddaughter attended the service today.
Mr Clarry told the Stray Ferret:
I must have went over it about 100 times last night, making sure I get it right with them in attendance. There were times when I’d stumble over a line, or I’d get choked up and I thought to myself 'this can’t happen tomorrow – it has to be perfect'. Looking back, I was extremely pleased with how it went.
Curate for St Peters Karrin Shaw leading the group in prayer.
Karrin Shaw, the curate for St Peter’s Church who led the prayers at the service, told the Stray Ferret:
You could look at this today and it’s a small gathering, or you could look at it the other way and say it’s an amazing event put on by men who served our country and risked their lives.
[We’re here] to remember the people who died that maybe don’t get the same amount of recognition [as members of the armed forces], and especially to remember now in this time of conflict – or in times of peace. It’s so crucial to remember.
This sentiment was echoed by others, including Councillor Monika Slater who attended the service representing Liberal Democrat colleague MP Tom Gordon. She told the Stray Ferret:
It was lovely and so important to remember the day-to-day people who gave their lives. Of course, we remember the soldiers but remembering everyone else who we lost – not just in the Second World War but in all conflicts – is so important, and I’m so grateful we hold this service in Harrogate.
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