Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA079
Thursday, 3 September 2009
MERCHANT MARINERS COMMEMORATED ON NATIONAL DAY
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, encouraged Australians to mark the important
contribution of Australia’s merchant mariners to our wartime efforts on Merchant Navy Day
today.
“The Merchant Navy has been an important part of Australia’s war efforts – helping to transport
troops, supplies and other important cargoes across dangerous seas and oceans,” Mr Griffin
said.
Thousands of Australian merchant mariners served on Australian, Commonwealth and Allied
ships during both World Wars.
Merchant ships were often in grave danger from enemy submarines, hostile aircraft, mines and
unpredictable weather conditions. They were easy targets, unarmed or lightly armed and
carrying heavy cargoes making them slower and less manoeuvrable than navy ships.
“On Merchant Navy Day we commemorate the service and sacrifice of all Australian merchant
mariners. Their contribution to our war efforts was invaluable and we are forever grateful for
their bravery in getting the job done in dangerous and difficult conditions,” Mr Griffin said.
Australian and Commonwealth memorials commemorate 435 Australian merchant mariners
known to have been lost in both World Wars. All merchant mariners who lost their lives are
honoured at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Those with no known grave are
honoured at Commonwealth War Graves Commission Memorials to the Missing in Sydney, the
Northern Territory, Port Moresby, Hong Kong as well as London’s Tower Hill.
In consultation with merchant mariners, the first Wednesday of September was chosen for
Merchant Navy Day, marking the loss of the first Allied merchant ship in 1939.
Media inquiries: Belinda Cole 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046. To receive the Minister’s media releases automatically by email subscribe at
minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
NEWS 
