Rennie urges local Merchant Navy veterans to apply for Seafarers badge

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 26th Aug 2009

Dunfermline and West Fife MP Willie Rennie is urging constituents who served in the Merchant Navy before 1994 to contact his office for help applying for the UK Merchant Seafarers Veterans Badge.

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 UK Armed Forces at any time prior to 31 December 1994.

Applications for the UK Merchants Seafarers Veterans Badge have to meet specific criteria and, unlike the veterans badge for the Armed Forces, there has to be some evidence that the merchant ship was in direct support of military operations. This is not always clear to those arranging the presentations, and can unintentionally result in some citizens being excluded from the process.

Mr Rennie is appealing to any seafarers and fishermen who meet the criteria to contact his office for help in dealing with the applications for the award.

Commenting Mr Rennie said:

"It is important that the bravery and sacrifice of all the veterans who took part in military operations is properly recognised.

"The introduction of a dedicated badge for Merchant Navy seafarers and fishermen is just recognition for all of their courageous efforts.

"Widows and Widowers who receive a pension from the Veterans' Agency are also able to apply for the badge. I'd encourage any constituent who thinks that they may be eligible to contact my office in Dunfermline so I can help them to apply."