The Merchant SeafarersÂ’ bravery and sacrifice in assisting HM Armed Forces in military operations has been formally commemorated with the launch of the UK Merchant Seafarers Veterans Badge. This is the only variant of the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge and recognises the unique service provided by merchant seafarers in support of military operations.
Eligibility
Criteria
The badge is available to all Merchant Navy Seafarers and fishermen who served in a vessel at a time when it was operated to facilitate military operations by HM Armed Forces at any time.
Posthumous requests
The badge is a survivors badge and therefore is not issued posthumously.
The only exceptions are War Widows and Widowers who are in receipt of a War Widows/Widowers Pension paid by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency. This is in recognition of the fact that their death was due to their military service.
The introduction of this dedicated badge for Merchant Navy seafarers and fishermen means that applications by these individuals for the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge are no longer being accepted. If an individual already holds an HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge they may still apply for the Merchant Seafarers Veterans Badge.
Members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary should continue to apply for the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge.
Download application form click here
Applications for the UK Merchant Seafarers VeteranÂ’s Badge should be sent to either of the following addresses:
Merchant Navy Association
9 Saxon Way
Caistor
Market Rasen
LN7 6SG.
Tel: 01472 851130 +44 1472 851130 (overseas)
Email: mna.national@virgin.net
Website: www.mna.org.uk/
Merchant Mariners
16 Glebe Road
Brampton
Huntingdon
PE28 4PH
Tel: 01480 412958 +44 1480412958 (overseas)
E-mail: info@merchant-mariners.co.uk
Website: www.merchant-mariners.co.uk/
