THE island’s sea cadets now have their own Manx Standard thanks to the campaigning by a former Steam Packet captain and the support of the Steam Packet Company.
Captain Allan Bridson has campaigned for the past eight or nine years for better recognition for the part played by the Merchant Navy during the wars and for a standard to be carried at ceremonial occasions such as the Remembrance Day parades.
The red banner with the yellow treskilion and a fringed border is a similar design to the red ensign - also known as the red duster - of the merchant navy. For Manx ships, the three legs are included in the flag.
To get support for the Manx standard, Captain Bridson contacted retired chief fire officer Godfrey Cain and his son David, who has charge of the sea cadets and he also spoke to Kane Taho, the Steam Packet Company’s marine superintendant.
‘I asked them what they thought about it and they were all enthusiastic,’ he said.
‘The Steam Packet paid for the Standard and it will be in the keeping of the sea cadets who will carry it into functions and on parade as required.’
Before it can be officially carried on parade, the Standard needs to be officially dedicated which is to take place at a special church service to be held at St George’s Church in Douglas in the near future.
Captain Bridson said the Standard would give some presence for the merchant navy at official parades and functions. He said all ships on the island’s shipping register carry the Manx red ensign, complete with the treskilion indicating their country of registration.