Turnout adds to emotion as merchant seafarers remembered
John Manning became emotional as he thanked all those who joined him as he placed a wreath at the foot of Campbeltown War Memorial
John Manning became emotional as he thanked all those who joined him as he placed a wreath at the foot of Campbeltown War Memorial
Each year, John Manning, aged 88, places a wreath at the war memorial in honour of Merchant Navy Day
John is one of just four seamen who survived an explosion which killed almost 70 of his merchant sailor colleagues.
Each year on Merchant Navy Day, John Manning, aged 87, lays a personal wreath at Campbeltown War Memorial in memory of his friends and fellow Merchant seamen.
At past commemorations, John has been the only person present and he is keen for others to join him this year.
Former Merchant Navy seaman John Manning said: ‘Once a Merchant Navy ship was torpedoed the crew’s pay immediatly ceased and they would be classed VNC – voyage not completed.’