The Red Ensign will be flying for several days until today, which is the official date of
Merchant Navy Day and the date World War Two began 80 years ago.
Setting out to sea with the
Merchant Navy at the height of World War 2, Captain McDonald served in international waters for more than 20 years and navigated the treacherous seas off the West African coast as a port pilot in Ghana.
Chairman of Flintshire County Council, Paul Cunningham, said: "Flintshire County Council is proud to stand with other organisations in supporting our
Merchant Navy.
Merchant Navy Day was launched in 2000 to celebrate the people who are responsible for transporting 95 per cent of the UK's imports, including half the food we eat.
Merchant Navy (right) wins Diamond Jubilee Stakes ahead of City Light
p feH convin eight othe Ominously, O'Brien said after the race that
Merchant Navy had only "done five little canters", before that winning run.
Wreaths are laid at the Pier Head memorials after the
Merchant Navy Service and parade from the Church of Our Lady and Saint Nicholas, above and topPictures: IAN COOPER
The Red Ensign, or "Red Duster" as it is known, has been the recognised flag of the British
Merchant Navy since 1854.
He was joined by Birmingham City Council's deputy leader, Coun Ian Ward, the area secretary for the
Merchant Navy, Eric Brown, Rev Mary Gilbert from St Paul's Church and members of the
Merchant Navy Association.
Next Sunday the Red Ensign of the
Merchant Navy Association will be paraded at Centenary Square with the other Service Standards and a wreath will be laid.
He longed for a life working aboard some of the biggest ships in the world and this ambition is about to be realized following his successful application to join the
Merchant Navy. Harry is following in his parents' footsteps.
MY father and grandfathers both served for many years in the
Merchant Navy.