DANISH SHIPS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 39, 16 February 1944, Page 3

DANISH SHIPS

LONDON CEREMONY

NATIONAL FLAG HOISTED

An ardent wish of free Danish seafarers sailing for Great Britain was fulfilled when the Minister of WaiTransport informed masters of Danish ships and fishing vessels sailing under the British flag that they were permitted to fly their own national flag in place of the Red Ensign, states a news bulletin received by the Danish Association in New Zealand from the Danish Council Information Office, London. The flag ceremony took place aboard a Danish ship lying in one of the London docks. Assembled were representatives of the Ministry of War Transport, the Danish Legation and the Danish Council. While heads were bared, two British Marines slowly hauled down the Red Ensign, then" two members of the crew on the Danish ship hoisted tiie Dannebrog, which soon unfurled and floated free on the morning breeze. The captain called for three cheers, and then the Danish Minister in London, Count Reventiow. in English, expressed his thanks to the British Government and recalled how Danish seamen on April 9, 1910, immediately volunteered for British service when invited to do so by the British authorities. Since April, 19-10, 1-15 Danish ships have been added to the British Register. Despite losses, the number of Danish ships in British service to-day is rather more than it was a year ago. This is due to the return to service of a number of ships long demobilised in North Africa and to the accession of four ships which joined up in Gibraltar from neutral ports after the German declaration of martial law on August 29 in Denmark. The total number of Danish officers and men serving in Britain is 3000. A considerable number of Danish seamen have been decorated for bravery while serving under the British flag. Three officers have been awarded the M.8.E., and one captain the 0.8. E. Others have been decorated, but names and circumstances have to be withheld until after the war. The ships will remain on the British Register, but will be returned to Denmark after the war, when compensation will be paid.