The Merchant Navy

During the First World War around 17,000 seafarers from the Mercantile Marine were killed keeping the country and armed forces supplied with the essentials for survival. More than 1000 of these were seafarers from the towns and valleys of Wales.

Before and during the First World War, merchant seafarers were members of the Mercantile Marine, but in honour of the sacrifice made by them, King George V granted the title ‘Merchant Navy’ to the service in 1920.

In 2014 a Book of Remembrance was published listing those seafarers from Wales who lost their lives. Copies of the book are available at Royal Museums Greenwich, National Library of Wales, National Museum Cardiff and various local authorities throughout Wales. The information in the book has been shared with historypoints.org and Quick Response plaques have been located near existing memorials, which allows the public access to the Roll of Honour.

Right: Merchant Navy Book of Remembrance © Byron Jones