The Merchant Seafarers’ bravery
and sacrifice in assisting HM Armed Forces in military
operations has been formally commemorated with the launch
of the UK Merchant Seafarers Veterans Badge. This is
the only variant of the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge
and recognises the unique service provided by merchant
seafarers in support of military operations.
Eligibility
Criteria
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
HM Armed Forces at any time.
Posthumous
requests
The badge is a survivors badge and therefore is not
issued posthumously.
The only exceptions are War Widows and Widowers who
are in receipt of a War Widows/Widowers Pension paid
by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency. This is
in recognition of the fact that their death was due
to their military service.
The introduction of this dedicated
badge for Merchant Navy seafarers and fishermen means
that applications by these individuals for the HM Armed
Forces Veterans Badge are no longer being accepted.
If an individual already holds an HM Armed Forces Veterans
Badge they may still apply for the Merchant Seafarers
Veterans Badge.
Members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary
should continue to apply for the HM Armed Forces Veterans
Badge.
