03/09/2026
This morning alongside Horsham District Council we commemorated Merchant Navy Day
Merchant Navy Day
Observed on 3 September to mark the anniversary of the sinking of the first British merchant ship (SS Athenia) in 1939 just hours after WWII was declared. Established as an official day of remembrance in 2000.
It Honours the brave men and women of the Merchant Navy who served during times of war and peace, and acknowledges that merchant seafarers handle a vast majority of the UK's imported and traded goods.
The significance of the bell: in WWII an appeal was launched to raise funds for the war effort during Battle Ship Week: Horsham raised enough to purchase HMS Una a U Class Submarine, this is a replica of her ships bell and was rung 8 time to signify the end of the last watch (duty) this is traditionally used at a sailors memorial.