Membership
Introduction:
It is estimated that 4000 seafarers would have served on neutral Irish merchant ships and fishing trawlers during the period September 1939 to March of 1946, (The emergency was extended to March 1946 by the Irish authorities). These seafarers came from the UK, USA, Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, Argentina, Norway, Sweden, Estonia and Russia. Of the 149 seamen who were lost on Irish registered vessels sunk as a result of belligerent action, 18 were British [Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales], 1 Norwegian, 1 Latvian and 1 Argentine, the rest were Irish Nationals. Many had also served previously during the first world war in the Royal Navy, Royal Flying Corps, Merchant Navy and in units of the British Army. It should not be forgotten that several British and Allied merchant vessels under contract to the Irish Government, were also sunk with the loss of their crews during 1939-45 while bringing supplies to Ireland. Their sacrifice will always be remembered.
Membership:
The publication of research initiated from 1986 into the loss of the Steam Trawler Leukos SS Ardmore and the disclosure of the Irish Government's failure during the period 1939-46 to Register the Deaths of Seamen lost on Irish vessels generated many enquiries from families and survivors. Consequently, the Irish Seamen’s Relatives Association (1939-46) was inaugurated to provide as much information as possible for the benefit of relatives of seafarers, who were killed as a direct result of belligerent action while serving on neutral Irish Registered Vessels during the second world war. Membership of our association is strictly limited to the next of kin of merchant seamen who were awarded posthumously the Irish Mercantile Marine (Valour) Medal 1939-46) with 3 bars attached.
Dress:
Blazer, black or dark navy with Irish Seamen’s Relatives Association (1939-46) badge, grey trousers and tie, in merchant navy colours. The tunic bar issued with the 3 bar valour medal see also Irish Mercantile Valour Medal with 3 Bars and Tunic Bar. should be worn on the right side of the blazer on all occasions. On more formal events the 3 bar medal can be worn if required. Irrespective of country and gradation of award, it is not permitted to wear any other medal on the left side over the badge or elsewhere on the blazer while you are representing the association, as the wearing of such medals has led to some confusion in the past with other associations. A black beret is usually worn on more formal occasions and the smaller badge of the Merchant Navy Association in the UK is appropriate. Regimental badges or other are not permitted on the beret except the MN badge. Badges or Pins issued to signify membership of other associations etc can be worn on both lapels. We can also advise for a source for the tie and beret and also provide the association badge for a nominal fee. If you are a member or ex veteran of an officially recognised military association, irrespective of country, it is permissible to wear your regimental tie. If in doubt email me at the link below.
Wreaths:
In recognition of the unique contribution by seafarer’s from various countries to Ireland’s survival during world war two, it has been the practice to place a wreath of poppies with an Irish tricolour tape attached at all formal events, on behalf of this association. Consequently, the poppy being a recognised symbol of remembrance. will continue to be used by our association at all remembrance events. There is a centre piece for these wreath's which we can provide at a very nominal fee. The poppy category C wreath (blank without the centre) can be purchased from the Royal British Legion Republic of Ireland Branch in Dublin, and the Irish tricolour tape can be purchased in Hickeys or any local retailer in your area in the Republic of Ireland. If not we can provide:
