Weymouth and Portland honour the brave men and women of the Merchant Navy

Merchant Navy Day was held on Sunday, September 3, and Weymouth and Portland both commemorated the nationwide day of remembrance with a memorial service.

Weymouth’s was held on the Esplanade at the town’s Merchant Navy memorial on Saturday, September 2.

Wreaths were laid at the memorial and many people gathered to pay their respects to the men and women who have served in the Merchant Navy over its history.

Portland’s service was held at St George’s Church, Reforne, on Sunday, with hymns, prayers, a two-minute silence in the church building, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Merchant Navy memorial stone on the church grounds.

Pastor Dave Farmer, who led the prayers for the service, said: “The passing of the years has not diminished our love and gratitude for the thousands that went to sea and never returned.”

The service also remembered the crewmen who lost their lives in the Avalanche/Forest disaster 140 years ago off Portland, six of whom are buried at the church.

Cllr Sandy West, who laid a basket of poppies at the ceremony, said: “I came along because I am part of the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy family and it is a way of honouring those from my family who fought and died for this country.”

She added: “It’s important for our youngsters to know the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy’s history and the work that they did.”

Dan Sherren, chairman of Portland Royal Naval Association, was pleased with the “excellent” turnout the service had.

He said: “We support the Merchant Navy all the time in all their activities because they always support us and they kept our lifelines open during all the wars. When all the U-boats were strangling our island they kept access to important supplies.”

Deputy Mayor of Portland Town Council Charlie Flack, who laid a wreath at the Merchant Navy memorial stone, said: “This is an annual event that has gone from strength to strength each year.”