THE flag of the Merchant Navy flew over the council offices last week to honour the organisation's service.

Malvern Hills District Council flew the flag to mark Merchant Navy Day, with council veterans champion Cllr Martin Allen and council chairman Cllr John Michael helping raise the flag.

Cllr Allen, who served in the regular Navy during the Falklands War, said: "In this fortieth year of the conflict it is sometimes easy to forget that the Merchant Navy also took part and suffered casualties.

"Without these brave sailors carrying essential supplies and men, it would have been impossible to retake the islands.

"I urge the people of Worcestershire in September to remember those who died in the cause of freedom."

The Merchant Navy was the title coined by King George V to recognize the sacrifice of merchant seafarers in World War I. 

During wartime, the Merchant Navy became an essential part of the support to carry servicemen and their supplies.

The Merchant Navy kept Britain afloat during both World Wars and is now responsible for delivering more than 80 per cent of the U.K.’s imports and exports.

During the Falklands Conflict SS Atlantic Conveyor was struck by two Argentine Exocet missiles killing 12 crew, including its captain: 57-year-old Ian North.