Today, Dr Davies attended the Merchant Navy Day commemorations at the New Zealand Maritime Museum in Auckland. The 3rd of September is a day of remembrance for those in the Merchant Navy who served and lost their lives in both World Wars. Sometimes referred to as “the fourth service”, the Merchant Navy were civilian volunteers who sailed ships carrying troops and equipment, and continued shipping vital trade between countries despite the constant threat of attack. After the service, Dr Davis laid a wreath at sea on the NAUTILUS, a motorboat carried by the hospital ship MARAMA in World War One.
This day has a personal connection for Dr Davies, who served in the British Merchant Navy as a deck cadet in 1981 and 1982 with the Blue Star Line.