Letter: Memorial access

As a merchant navy veteran of the Second World War I attended the unveiling of the memorial to merchant seamen on The Shore at Leith on 16 November.

I went to the church for the service, only to be refused access as I did not have an official invitation. I was among many excluded. I had come from Australia and extended my stay in Edinburgh to attend the ceremony.

I must compliment the lady who created the monument and the dedication of the organising committees to present a lasting and tangible recognition of a much neglected service. On no front could the war have been fought without the ships of the merchant navy and their hodgepodge personnel. They carried the troops, the tanks, the munitions, the supplies, materials and food to the war theatres and to the home front.

The creators of this memorial have every reason to be proud of their achievement. However, I deplore the lack of information about the event and the fact that I was unable to join worshippers in consecrated surrounds and honour the memory of lost friends; and unable to mingle at the reception. Could I have availed myself of an invitation? Perhaps not, as I suspect there was no invitation extended to the general public.

This splendid memorial can serve as a focal point for an annual service on 3 September, Merchant Navy Memorial Day, to remember the sacrifice and service of the dedicated men, women and boys who served so selflessly throughout Britain's maritime history.

George Brown

North Bridge

Edinburgh