The Red Ensign or ‘Red Duster’, was raised to mark Merchant Navy Day, 3 September, to raise awareness of the UK’s ongoing support for Merchant Navy seafarers.
The Seafarers’ Charity encourages organisations to fly the Red Ensign on Merchant Navy Day to remind people to honour and remember the sacrifices of the often forgotten, but very hard-working, Merchant Navy seafarers who are responsible for shipping over 95% of the UK’s trade.
The Red Ensign, known affectionately as the 'Red Duster,' which is flown at locations across the UK serves as a powerful symbol to highlight the indispensable role of merchant seafarers - past, present, and future.
Merchant Navy Day was established in 2000 by HM Government and is on 3rd September each year, the anniversary of the start of the Second World War.