City marks Merchant Navy’s loss (From South Wales Argus)

City marks Merchant Navy’s loss

12:52pm Monday 16th November 2009

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AROUND 50 people gathered to pay their respects at a remembrance service at Newport's Merchant Seamen's Memorial on Saturday.

Members of Newport's Merchant Navy Association, sea cadets, and politicians braved the rain to parade from Queen Street down to the memorial on the Mariners Green, Cardiff Road, where the association's chaplain, Father Edward Mathias-Jones led the service of remembrance.

Wreaths were laid by Newport's mayor Cllr Glyn Jarvis, Newport council leader, Cllr Matthew Evans, assembly members, John Griffiths, William Graham and Rosemary Butler, and MPs Jessica Morden and Paul Flynn.

Mr Flynn, who is patron of the Newport Merchant Navy Association, said: "This is probably one of the major memorials because of the links Newport has with the Merchant Navy.

“It's important to mark the sacrifice of the lives of the Merchant Navy, who lost more than any other service during the war. It's essential in a city that has 'port' in its name that we remember them."

Bert Bale, chairman of the Newport branch, said: "I asked Father Edward to have a word to stop the rain and just in time the rain stopped. Once again the Merchant Navy Assocaition of Newport was supported by branches from all over the coutnry.

“The national chair of the association, Captain John Sail, and the president Vivien Foster, were also here to give their support. It's important to remember those who lost their lives."

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