3 Therefore, as the commemoration for the Battle of the Atlantic gathers pace we can perceive a continuum that is based on over 250 years of experience and a rich naval heritage. We can also trace a vital thread back to the sixteenth century and words written by Richard Haklyut in Principal Navigations: ‘ships are to little purpose without skilful seamen’. This may be a truism, but the statement is fundamental to the record of continuity and it includes officers and ordinary seamen alike. In this issue of the Kedge Anchor the second in the series of articles about ‘Nelson’s Sailors’ highlights our interest in ordinary seamen like James Garrick and George Evans— seamen who would otherwise pass by unknown like the vast majority they are obliged to represent. Haklyut’s words also remind us to include the seafarers of the merchant service and in particular the 30,000 and more men from the British Merchant Navy who lost their lives between 1939 and 1945. More than 2,400 allied ships were sunk in the Atlantic theatre. Their crews came from across the Empire and beyond. Yet, at the time the ordinary sailors, who unlike their officers wore no uniform, often suffered taunts and abuse from civilians who mistakenly thought they were shirking their patriotic duty to enlist in the armed forces. Eventually, they were issued with an 'MN' lapel badge to indicate they were serving in the Merchant Navy. Even today, merchant seamen and those serving in the Royal Navy are usually ‘out of sight’. While we were a nation dependent on the sea for survival during both golden ages, nothing has changed; we remain equally dependent today. With so much of the UK’s daily requirements still moving by sea and the future of resources and energy supply so dependent on the freedom to use the sea as a highway for trade, our prosperity as a nation is intricately linked to the sea. Emblems of pride, like the MN lapel badge, include flags, and as I write this Dispatch, I hear the good news that it has at last been agreed that the the ‘Trafalgar flags’ at St Mary the Virgin, Selling, Kent will go to the National Maritime Museum. You will recall that in 2011 the fear was that they would be sold and lost to the nation. The flags concerned are the Minotaur's Union flag flown at the battle, and a flag believed to be from the captured Neptuno, which struck her colours to the Minotaur. The Neptuno flag is actually an Austrian rather than a Spanish ensign. They were looked after by the Minotaur's Master’s Mate, Stephen Hilton, whose family have long lived at Selling in Kent, and the family later provided the flags to be part of the Hilton Chapel. The 1805 Club was among the defined ‘interested parties’ campaigning to save the flags. Their transfer to the National Maritime Museum is a success story. The museum possesses the professional skill, experience and resources required for their long-term care and the decision means they will stay in the UK and be on display to millions of people. In fact the Union flag will be on permanent display and a centrepiece of the new gallery, Nelson, Navy, Nation, which opens in October this year. There will be more about this exciting gallery in the next issue of the Kedge Anchor. It would be remiss of me not to mention Randy Mafit’s article in this issue about Captain John Rodgaard USN. After more than 20 years as North American Secretary and primary editor of the Kedge Anchor, Randy has decided to stand down from the Council of The 1805 Club at this year’s AGM. I want to be the first to offer him a huge thank you. Randy is among the Club’s founding fathers and his skill, knowledge, dedication, service, hard work and enthusiasm have been both extraordinary and exceptional. His contribution to the success of the Club has been unparalleled. In fact it has been unique. I am delighted that he will stay close to the Club and its activities and applaud the way he is handing over the North American reins to John (who incidentally is playing a significant role in BOA70). Randy, this is the first of many thank-you’s. All I hope now is that you and Dana are well prepared to receive the many broadsides of accolades that will be aimed at you over the coming months! Bravo Zulu. With good wishes to you all, Peter Warwick
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