 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
THE MERCHANT NAVY DAY CAMPAIGN
SUCCESS
Australia Proclaims september 3rd.
Merchant Navy Day
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, has announced that the merchant seamen who served
The Minister made the announcement during a visit to Port Adelaide, where he met with a group of Merchant Navy veterans, Deputy Premier Kevin Foley and local MP Mark Butler.
Mr Griffin said the proclamation by the Governor-General, Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC (Retd), delivered on an election commitment to declare 3 September each year as a day of national observance to commemorate the service and sacrifice of
“The role of
“During the Second World War they evacuated civilians from threatened areas, and transported supplies and personnel to and between areas of conflict.”
Mr Griffin said the date for Merchant Navy Day was chosen by the ex-service community to mark the loss of the first Allied merchant ship in the Second World War, which occurred the day war was declared in 1939. The
Thousands of Australian merchant mariners served during the two World Wars on Australian, Commonwealth and Allied ships, as well as merchant ships from other nations. Australian and Commonwealth memorials commemorate 435 Australians known to have lost their lives serving in the Merchant Navy.
Mr Griffin said that from this year, Merchant Navy Day would be an occasion to give merchant mariners the prominence in
As with the recently announced
The local member for Port Adelaide, Mark Butler, and the Port Adelaide Seafarers Memorial Community Committee is already planning a march and commemorative service to mark
Details of other commemorative ceremonies will be published on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website www.dva.gov.au as events are confirmed.
NOTE ON THE PHOTO: Celebrating the announcement in Port Adelaide are (left to right): Kevin Jones, Director of the South Australian Maritime Museum; Jamie Newlyn, Maritime Union of Australia; Rod Sawford, former MHR Port Adelaide; Kevin Foley, SA Deputy Premier, Treasurer and MLA for Port Adelaide; Alan Griffin, Minister for Veterans Affairs;, Gary Johanson, Mayor of Port Adelaide; and Mark Butler, MHR for Port Adelaide. Photo provided by John Williams, Vice President, Merchant Navy Association SA.
"Athenia" sunk sept. 3rd 1939 - the first of thousands.
Convoy forming up-Bedford basin, Halifax Nova scotia 1942c
a coastal convoy 1942
east coast convoy
Loading & Discharging- Aid from the USA & UK goods to the USA - "Queen Mary" 1940s
*********
In the USA General Douglas MacArthur Supreme Commander Allied Forces South West Pacific paid a tribute to Australian and Dutch Merchant Navy Seamen.
Quote “They have brought us our lifeblood and they have paid for it with some of their own. I saw them bombed off the Philippines, and in New Guinea Ports. When it was humanly possible, when their ships were not blown out from under them or torpedoed, they have delivered their cargoes to us who needed them so badly. In war it is performance that counts” Unquote.
Australia’s Current Merchant Navy and Maritime Strategy.
The capacity of Australia’s Merchant Navy to contribute to Australia’s maritime strategy, particularly its capacity to transport a large volume of defence personnel and material, is virtually non-existent. Extract Royal United Services Institute NSW 11 March 2003.
Minister currently we are “Up the creek without a paddle”
In 2000 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2 head of the Commonwealth of Nations, granted an official “Merchant Navy Day” Legislated by the British Parliament, which is celebrated in the United Kingdom on September 3rd annually.
This same day has recently been officially legislated by the Canadian Parliament. In 2003, with approaches being made to the Governments of Singapore and Russia eventually all Allied Flagged Merchant Marine Nations of WW11. Becoming Law after the Royal Assent. United Kingdom and Canada.
Minister, we absolutely refute the statement made by the Hon De-Anne Kelly in her Letter December 2005.
- Para “The British and United States recognition is broadly based , referring to shipping and maritime transportation more generally, rather than focussing solely on veterans’
As we said in our response.
I would like to take this opportunity Minister (De-Anne Kelly) to inform you that whilst the British and United Sates Government’s recognition is also broader based because they still have a Merchant Navy we don’t.
The day is primarily in recognition of the sacrifices made by those who served either now living and or deceased from all wars plus it is a solemn recognition of the ongoing services of the Merchant Navy personnel today.
The Merchant Navy Association UK webpage.
http://www.mna.org.uk/Welcome.htm
Minister, you may like others ask. Why should we remember?
September 3rd is to remember the screams of men dying in the infernos from burning oil tankers, September 3rd is to remember the men machine gunned to death from the SS Anglo Saxon. September 3rd remembers the two hundred and eighty Seamen from the British Merchant Ships machine gunned to death by the Japanese from the ships Daisy Moller, British Chivalry, Sutlej Ascol, Nancy Moller Nellore, and the Behar Massacre of passenger and crew. Our research reveals ongoing disclosure Sailors bodies washed up on the Dutch Coast North Atlantic Convoys still trying to identify the remains today
Without the Allied Merchant Navies Britain would have starved, there would have been no Battle Of Britain no Battle For Australia if it were not for the hundreds of tankers who transported the oil and aviation spirit home, no Operation Torch the invasion of North Africa would not have taken place without the thousands of troops and supplies needed brought by sea from Merchant Ships.
There would have been no D-Day landings at Normandy without the one thousand two hundred and sixty Merchant Ships that took part. This country is indebted to all these men.
September 3rd remember those veterans who survived still living. Where War goes the British Merchant Navy follows Sudan, South Africa, WW1, WW2, Palestine 1945/48, Korea 1950/53, Suez 1956, Cyprus1955/59, Borneo 1962/66,Falklands 1982, Gulf 1990/91, and 2003 September 3rd Remember Them! Remember them all the men of the “Forgotten Fourth Service”
(1) In 2000 the British Government after being put under pressure from the Merchant Navy Association introduced IMND to be held September 3rd every year to coincide with the date WW11 started.
(2) After a long campaign with the Canadian Government and starting from 2003 Merchant navy Day has now been introduced in Canada. The Private Bill was introduced by MP Paul Bonwick to Parliament and after some dispute with one of the parties finally became law after receiving Royal Assent July 2003.
(3) The Campaign to have September 3rd day of Remembrance introduced by a Private Members Bill to the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia was commenced July 2003. Every Member of Parliament all Political persuasions was approached. The hundreds of letters replied and supportive VIP’s, Government Ministers, Returned and Services League, Merchant Navy Associations, and affiliated bodies, private citizens, Maritime Business’s, Maritime Union, Political Opposition Parties etc. have all been in accord, we have not had one reply of dissent we have fulfilled all stated requirements by the Prime Minister, the previous Ministers Veterans Affairs Hon Danna Vale, Hon Deanne Kelly. With the guidance of Hon. Tony Abbott Minister Health and Ageing to have the Private Members Bill introduced.
In conclusion Minister ‘Our dedicated team is and will continue to approach the Australian Government. Our Freedom and Democracy is built on the fundamental rights and responsibilities, freedom of thought and expression, participation in Government and respect for equality under law.
Through War and Conflict suffering and sacrifice the Merchant Navy and its Seafarers helped to develop a nation and secure the freedoms we all now enjoy today.
We have been campaigning for over 2 ½ years. In the past we have received letters from the Minister’s who have held the portfolio of Veterans Affairs. All stating their support and recognition of our campaign. Whilst this is appreciated, we have fulfilled what was requested and that was to gain support from Associations and the Wide Community.
We take this opportunity to specially thank The Hon. Tony Abbott Minister Health and Ageing, Jennifer Hirama and staff at his Warringah Office for all their ongoing support and advise.
We are now not asking for further form letters of support, we are hopeful that the Australian Government will follow the same path as the British, Canadian, Russian and United States Governments and no longer procrastinate and to officially recognise the scarifies made and the lives lost by Proclaiming 3rd September a Day of Remembrance International Merchant Navy Day.IMND
Yours Sincerely Ron (Steve) Wylie
www.merchant-navy-ships.com
rswylie@bigpond.com
The Quest for International Merchant Navy Day 3rd September
Please find enclosed a copy of the condensed dossier. The original was submitted to Hon De-Anne Kelly in January 2005. Quest for IMND.
Copies of signed Petitions can be made available upon request.
To all our supporters re International Merchant Navy Day IMND 3 Sep. Day of Remembrance. Our petition and Dossier is to be presented to parliament Stage1 in the near future.
I bring to your attention and request that those concerned, contact your local member, association, talk back radio, all available avenues, refuting the statement made by the previous Minister Veteran Affairs De-Anne Kelly her reply to me
Quote "I have considered the correspondence you provided in support of your proposal and note that the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States have variously recognised 3 September as Merchant Navy Day, Merchant Navy Veteran Day and National Maritime day. The British and United States recognition is broadly based, referring to shipping and maritime transportation more generally, rather than focusing solely on VETERANS Unquote. This statement has come from research
This is an erroneous statement and cannot be allowed to continue, It weakens our Quest to hane IMND Sep 3rd a day of Remembrance Gazetted.
My reply to Min Kelly and Parliament Supporters and Ministers.
Quote "Yes the British and United States recognition is broadly based, because they do have a Merchant Navy, We in Australia have nothing, the last remnants of our Merchant Navy The Australian National Line ANL was sold to Singaporean Interests in 1996 by the present Government and as always we rely on Britain and the United States for support in an emergency to transport troops ,equipment, logistics to and from areas of conflict and disaster.".Unquote and now trades on the Australian Coast, New Guinea, Far East and World Wide.
I now appeal to all for your follow up support to all your contacts.
With our young dedicated team we are now going to approach government exerting. Our freedom and democracy built on fundamental rights and responsibilities, freedom of thought and expression, participation in Government and respect for equality under law.
Regards and best Wishes Steve.
Ron (Steve) Wylie
www.merchant-navy-ships.com
rswylie@bigpond.com
The Quest for International Merchant Navy Day 3rd September
Subject: Up Date on IMND January 2006
To All Concerned
Re: The Quest for International Merchant Navy Day 3rd September.
Update to all our Supporters.
I wish to give you all the opportunity to read (see attachments) the latest official response from the Hon. De-Anne Kelly Minister for Veterans Affairs on behalf of the Australian Government. This response, still does not clarify the Government's intentions, or agreement to recognise the 3rd September as a Day of Remembrance International Merchant Navy Day.
The response from the Minister, has been extremely disappointing, both personal to myself and my family and I am sure that after you have read the correspondence from the Minister you will feel the same level of disappointment as we do.
Whether this day is gazetted, proclaimed, promulgated or legislated "this is now neither here nor there."
What we have only endeavored to do is to have the Australian Government acknowledge an Official Day of Recognition the 3rd September, as International Merchant Navy Day in Australia, as have the Governments of the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America.
You have all worked extremely hard over the last 3 years to gather support and I wish to take this opportunity to finally thank you all, on behalf of myself and Catherine and those who have been personally involved with us both. The Quest for International Merchant Navy Day is now starting to take a personal toll on myself and my family, as I'm now going into my 85th year, for me it's time to start to spend the twilight enjoying my family and my other interests.
Whilst I am happy to keep up the communication with you all, I now find myself in the position that I can no longer carry the burden of The Quest.
I would appreciate and can only suggest that you all continue to work as either individuals, or through your organisations and or associations.
Please approach or write to your Federal and State Members and the Minister 's of the Australian Government in particular the Minister for Veterans Affairs the Hon. De-Anne Kelly
Attached are the following letters:
December 2005 correspondence from Hon. De-Anne Kelly Minister for Veterans Affairs.
January 9 2006 reply to the Minister
January 15 2006 Letter to the Hon. John Howard Prime Minister.
Once again thank you for your support, encouragement, advise and help over the last 3 years.
Regards
Ron and Catherine
Subject: Up Date on IMND January 2006
To All Concerned
Re: The Quest for International Merchant Navy Day 3rd September.
Update to all our Supporters.
I wish to give you all the opportunity to read (see attachments) the latest official response from the Hon. De-Anne Kelly Minister for Veterans Affairs on behalf of the Australian Government. This response, still does not clarify the Government's intentions, or agreement to recognise the 3rd September as a Day of Remembrance International Merchant Navy Day.
The response from the Minister, has been extremely disappointing, both personal to myself and my family and I am sure that after you have read the correspondence from the Minister you will feel the same level of disappointment as we do.
Whether this day is gazetted, proclaimed, promulgated or legislated "this is now neither here nor there."
What we have only endeavored to do is to have the Australian Government acknowledge an Official Day of Recognition the 3rd September, as International Merchant Navy Day in Australia, as have the Governments of the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America.
You have all worked extremely hard over the last 3 years to gather support and I wish to take this opportunity to finally thank you all, on behalf of myself and Catherine and those who have been personally involved with us both. The Quest for International Merchant Navy Day is now starting to take a personal toll on myself and my family, as I'm now going into my 85th year, for me it's time to start to spend the twilight enjoying my family and my other interests.
Whilst I am happy to keep up the communication with you all, I now find myself in the position that I can no longer carry the burden of The Quest.
I would appreciate and can only suggest that you all continue to work as either individuals, or through your organisations and or associations.
Please approach or write to your Federal and State Members and the Minister 's of the Australian Government in particular the Minister for Veterans Affairs the Hon. De-Anne Kelly
Attached are the following letters:
December 2005 correspondence from Hon. De-Anne Kelly Minister for Veterans Affairs.
January 9 2006 reply to the Minister
January 15 2006 Letter to the Hon. John Howard Prime Minister.
Once again thank you for your support, encouragement, advise and help over the last 3 years.
Regards
Ron and Catherine
To all our supporters re International Merchant Navy Day IMND 3 Sep. Day of Remembrance. Our petition and Dossier is to be presented to parliament Stage1 in the near future.
I bring to your attention and request that those concerned, contact your local member, association, talk back radio, all available avenues, refuting the statement made by the previous Minister Veteran Affairs De-Anne Kelly her reply to me
Quote "I have considered the correspondence you provided in support of your proposal and note that the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States have variously recognised 3 September as Merchant Navy Day, Merchant Navy Veteran Day and National Maritime day. The British and United States recognition is broadly based, referring to shipping and maritime transportation more generally, rather than focusing solely on VETERANS Unquote. This statement has come from research
This is an erroneous statement and cannot be allowed to continue, It weakens our Quest to hane IMND Sep 3rd a day of Remembrance Gazetted.
My reply to Min Kelly and Parliament Supporters and Ministers.
Quote "Yes the British and United States recognition is broadly based, because they do have a Merchant Navy, We in Australia have nothing, the last remnants of our Merchant Navy The Australian National Line ANL was sold to Singaporean Interests in 1996 by the present Government and as always we rely on Britain and the United States for support in an emergency to transport troops ,equipment, logistics to and from areas of conflict and disaster.".Unquote ANL has expanded and now trades on the Australian Coast, New Guinea, Far East and World Wide.
I now appeal to all for your follow up support to all your contacts.
With our young dedicated team we are now going to approach government exerting. Our freedom and democracy built on fundamental rights and responsibilities, freedom of thought and expression, participation in Government and respect for equality under law.
Regards and best Wishes Steve.
