On the 27th November 2003, the Daily Express revealed that Euro MP's
had been given the green light in the proposal to scrap the British
Merchant Navy Red Ensign which has been the official flag of our
Merchant Fleet since 1864 and replace it with a European Union Flag. I
am totally appalled that such a gesture will go through without the
intervention of our own Government.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II holds the title of "Master of the
Merchant Navy & Fishing Fleet", which was passed down by King George
VI and was the title held by King George V who bestowed the title
"Merchant Navy" on us after WWI. In WWI 17,000 Merchant Seamen sailing
under the Red Ensign were killed with a further 32,000 in WWII, which
happens to be a higher percentage rate than any of the three armed
services. Post WWII the Red Ensign has been involved conflicts in
Palestine 1945-1948, Korea 1950-1953, Suez 1956, Cyprus, 1954-1959,
Borneo, 1962-1966, Falklands 1982 & the Gulf 1991 & 2003, with medals
issued to it's serving members in all areas of operations.

In 2000 the British Government introduced the official "Merchant Navy
Day" in recognition of the important role the Merchant Navy plays in
supplying this Island nation in war as well as peace. 3rd September
every year since, the Red Ensign is flown from public buildings the
length & breadth of this country. Please don't let others take the
last vestige of our service. This is not sentimentalist talk; it is
our Maritime Heritage that is under threat.