HONORS FOR THE MERCHANT SERVICE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4815, 12 March 1918, Page 2

HONORS FOR THE MERCHANT SERVICE.

AN OMIfeSION TO BE MADE GOOD. “The country is beginning .to realise to what an extent its national interests arc wrapped up in the courageous efforts of our merchant seamen,’’ wrote Mr Thomas Scott, the secretary of the, Mercantile Marine Service Association, in the Daily Mail recently. . ~ ~ • The report of the association on the war services of British shipmasters and officers this year says it is rougly estimated that from February to November 670 merchant ships, above and 252 ships below 1600 gross tonnage have been sunk by mine or torpedo, and 164 fishing vessels. In addition to the many honors, including three V.C.’s, won by the Royal Navy Reserve this year, three shipmasters of the Mercantile Marine have received the D. 5.0., three the bar to the D. 5.0., and 69 masters and’officers the Distinguished Service Cross, and 129 have been “commended for good service.” On the omission of merchant service masters and officers from Empire honors for war workers the association made representations, and it is understood the omission will he made good.