Welcome to the MNA Plymouth Branch
Plymouth has always had a history with the sea through the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy. In times of trouble the Royal Navy has defended this country's honour, but not many people know that without the Merchant Navy this country would have gone under many many years ago. Don't talk daft I hear you say but its true, 95% of our goods are still being transported by sea. Without the Merchant Navy our Naval war ships could never go to war and defend this country's rights. The same applies to our Association which was formed on the 22nd October 1990 by our founder members Baz Gregory and George Matthews. Baz Gregory became the first Branch Chairman and George Matthews the branch standard bearer, Mrs Joan Studden Secretary, Alan Anstey Welfare officer and Ian Denton Treasurer. On the 3rd of September 1999 it was decided by the goverment to honour our fellow shipmates with a National Day of recogintion. We where also given the right to march at the National Armistice Parade in London. The Picture at the top of this page is of the Athenia, sunk off the coast of Ireland on the 3rd September 1939 the day war was declared. So when you see the red duster flying remember those seaman who never returned from the war. 32,000 lost in the Battle of the Atlantic, which this year commemorates the 60th anniversary of that battle. Plymouth will be setting an example by honouring those Men and Women who gave there lives for our freedom. If you feel that you would like to join and you have sailed under the Red Ensign or Blue Ensign or you feel that you can support our aims and objectives, please give our President Mr Alan Bennett our acting Membership Secretary a call on 01752401770 or write to him at

Mr Alan Bennett
20 Goosewell Park Road
Plymstock
Plymouth
PL9 8RA