Hundreds of men from north Kent, lured by the proximity of the Thames and the sea, volunteered for service in the Merchant Navy before the start of hostilities in September 1939.

Within weeks they found themselves at war against the German U-Boats in what we now call The Battle of the Atlantic.

Recently, scores of surviving veterans travelled from north Kent to Liverpool Cathedral to take part in the 60th anniversary service of the most prolonged and costly conflict of the war.

The Battle of the Atlantic began in September 1939, ended in May 1945 and raged with ruthless but varying intensity.

During this time 2,000 ships were sunk and some 30,000 merchant seamen lost their lives.

In the past few years many merchant seamen have spoken to me about the sinking of the Athenia just a few hours after the outbreak of war and the defensive struggle which followed against the corps d’elite of the German Navy.

Stan Mayes, of Stacey Close, Gravesend, was one.

He said: “It took many years to have a Merchant Navy Day officially recognised but this was finally achieved.

“Gravesham Council is a supporter of the local branch of our association and allows us the privilege of flying our Red Ensign above the Civic Centre every year on Merchant Navy Day.”

The congregation of 2,800 at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral was followed by a march past of veterans.

A plaque was unveiled at the city Cenotaph, followed by various military displays.

Rear Admiral Princess Anne was in attendance.

We have all read about the debt due to the men of the Merchant Navy who refused to be intimidated by the heavy toll of sinkings and the threat of their ships being blown to pieces in one of the stormiest oceans of the world.

And it was not only U-Boats.

These men conducted their convoys across the ocean in the face of attack by aircraft and E-Boats and through enemy minefields.

I would recommend those who live in north Kent to look at the memorial of black granite sited at Bawley Bay next to St Andrew’s Church in Royal Pier Road, Gravesend.

It was dedicated about 10 years ago “in memorium for seafarers who gave their lives while serving in the Merchant Navy”.

The battle, for those who came through, lasted 68 months and was the hardest-fought victory in military history.

Write to me at Bob Ogley, News Shopper, Mega House. Crest View Drive, Petts Wood, Kent BR5 1BT, email bob@bobogley.plus.com or visit frogletspublications.co.uk