Merchant heroes

Hull's forgotten heroes of the sea have at last been given a permanent memorial in the city. The unveiling of a memorial stone by former Lord Mayor Coun. Ken Branson and Chris Cloudsdale, president of the Hull Merchant Navy Association and a veteran of the Atlantic convoys, came as the highlight of a special day of tribute to Merchant Navy seamen who perished during the First and Second World Wars.

A ceremonial parade headed by the City of Hull Pipe and March Band led to the stone situated on the anchor and propeller plinth in Queen's Dock Avenue behind the Maritime Museum.

More than 36,000 Merchant Navy personnel were lost during the two wars as they struggled to keep the country's commercial lifelines open. Many have no grave, but the sea, and despite Hull being Britain's third largest port, no memorial existed in the city. The Hull Merchant Navy Association had long wanted to commemorate the seafarers who endured the rigours of conflict but wore no official uniform.

A spokesman said they were sometimes looked on with distaste because they were not identified with the armed services. He added: "We believe this great port of Hull deserves a memorial to honour the seafarers of the Merchant Navy who sailed never to return, and their families who for so long have had no recognition of their sacrifice."