A proud symbol of seafaring history flew high above our community this week, writes Sue Reece, as Chilton Town Council, joined by the Chilton 1st Scouts, officially raised the Red Ensign to mark Merchant Navy Day.
Merchant Navy Day was officially established in 2000 to recognise the “invisible navy” that keeps Great Britain afloat. September 3 was chosen because it marks the fateful day in 1939 when Britain entered the Second World War. Just hours after war was declared, the merchant vessel SS Athenia was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat, marking the very first British casualty of the conflict. In 2015 The Seafarers Charity launched the Fly the Red Ensign campaign to combat “sea blindness” and ensure local communities never forget our ongoing reliance on maritime workers.
While our local area sits far inland from the coast, the ceremony highlighted a deep, historic bond between the coal mines of Chilton and Windlestone and the global merchant fleet. Generations ago, coal pulled from the local ground by Windlestone Colliery miners was transported directly to North East ports to fuel British merchant ships.
Furthermore, many young men from our own terraces left the hazardous work of the collieries to answer the call of the sea, serving on vital supply vessels. The heavy price paid by those seafarers was a focal point of the day. Across both World Wars, over 44,000 merchant seafarers lost their lives keeping Britain’s supply lines open, facing a higher proportional casualty rate than any branch of the armed forces.
The raising of the flag brings this sacrifice home by remembering local men like Benjamin Middleton, a 28-year-old Merchant Navy Engineer who once worked the local mines. Benjamin lost his life at sea during the First World War when his ship was targeted by enemy action.
Members of the Chilton 1st Scouts and Beavers reflected on how the Merchant Navy remains the lifeline of our modern world, quietly bringing us the food, medicine, and goods that sustain Chilton and Windlestone every single day. The flying Red Ensign serves as an inspiring symbol of duty, resilience, and community service, reminding us all of the debt we owe to those who served in the past from our own streets, and our ongoing support for those who sail today.
Sue Reece
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
