Recognition for the "Red Duster"

	Showing off the results of thier efforts on the day of the dedication were (left) Ted Coggins, President of teh Lyttleton Branch of the Merchant Navy Association, and Earle Crutchley ex-4th Field Regiment of Artillery.

In a moving ceremony at the Citizen’s War Memorial at Christchurch on 23 April 2003, a plaque commemorating the service and sacrifices made by personnel of the Merchant Navy in the two world wars was officially dedicated.

One of the leaders in the three year struggle to get tangible recognition on this memorial for the Merchant Navy has been ex-World War II soldier Earle Crutchley. Earle served in the Middle East and Italy with 4th Field Artillery Regiment, He has long recognised the valiant service provided by the merchant navy during the wars, supplying war materials to all three armed services, and in the case of Britain, also maintaining critical food supplies to the citizens of that country.

A great ally for Earle in this project was Ted Coggins, President of the Lyttelton Branch of the Merchant Navy Association who served in the Merchant Navy throughout the war.

The Red Ensign (Red Duster) was flown by Merchant Navy ships during hostilities.		The new combined services memorial plaque which has been affixed to the Citizen's War Memorial.

In recent years authorities in the U.K had formally elevated the status of the Merchant Navy to be an equal force with the three traditional armed services.

World War II casualties in the British Commonwealth of the Merchant Navy, which included New Zealand, were: Dead 33,730, Missing (presumed dead, wounded and POW 12,993), A total of 2,447 Commonwealth merchant ships were sunk during this war.

Support for the memorial plaque came from the NZDF, RNZRSA, various local RSA’s, local members of parliament, church groups and the Christchurch City Council.

Providing ceremonial support to the dedication of the Merchant Navy plaque were (left) Bugler Private Paul Bourke and (right) Lieutenant Zac Prendergast both of the NZ Army.

At the dedication, speeches were made by the Mayor of Christchurch, Commander Rex Edwards (representing the Chief of Defence Force), Earle Crutchley, Ted Coggins and Frank Mugford.

Providing ceremonial support were Lieutenant Zac Prendergast and bugler Private Paul Bourke from Burnham Military Camp.