I read with some disappointment Mr A Hollick's comments about our Merchant Navy Day Service of Remembrance, organised by the Sussex Branch of the T S Vindicatrix Association (Letters, September 6).

I can assure him there was indeed a Red Ensign flying from the flagpole outside the church when the service was held. Admittedly, it wasn't as large as befitted the size of the pole on which it flew, but full-size ensigns cost more money than can be afforded by our branch.

The Royal British Legion standards were led into the church by our ceremonial Red Ensign, which was donated to us. This is the third year on which we have held this service and, after the partial defrayment of expenses, on each occasion a substantial donation has been made to seafaring charities such as the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society and the Dreadnought ward of the Seamen's Hospital Society, receipts for which are held.

With regard to the participation of members of the Royal British Legion, we are grateful for their support and also that of any other service organisation which recognises the vital part played by member of the Merchant Navy during times of war.

We were also grateful for the support of mayors and council chairmen from the Sussex area who attended.

-Robin Hurst, Assistant Secretary, TSVA (Sussex Branch), Chrisdory Road, Mile Oak, Portslade