A poignant service was held at the Llandudno War Memorial, where North Wales Merchant Navy veterans of Operation Neptune were commemorated.

Carried out by the local Merchant Navy Association branch, the tribute was attended by the Mayors of Llandudno, Bay of Colwyn and the Vice Chair of Conwy County Borough Council.

Several other associations, including the British Legion, were in attendance, as well as relatives of the late veterans.

(Image: Merchant Navy Association (North Wales branch))

Captain David Creamer, Chairman of the Merchant Navy Association's North Wales Branch, said: "Ninety-six years ago, King George V bestowed the title of the ‘Merchant Navy’ to the merchant shipping fleets that had given such a gallant service during the First World War.

"Up until this time, the name ‘Merchant Navy’ hadn’t existed.

"Later that year in 1928, Queen Mary unveiled a national memorial in a small park overlooking the Tower of London that recorded the names of almost 12,000 British merchant seafarers who had died in the First World War."

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He added that three more national memorials have since been added to acknowledge the brave service and sacrifice of Merchant Navy personnel in the Second World War, Falklands War, and those lost in the Operation Neptune campaign in Normandy in 1944.

Captain Creamer added: "It wasn’t until the year 2000 that H.M. Government established an official Day of Remembrance to be known as Merchant Navy Day to be held on 3rd September each year to coincide with the anniversary of the start of the Second World War.

"September 3rd also marked the first casualty of the war, the sinking of the liner SS Athenia with the loss of 117 passengers and crew."

(Image: Merchant Navy Association (North Wales branch))

He concluded his touching tribute by saying: "We are here today to honour all those merchant seafarers who have sacrificed their lives in times of war and conflict."

These emotional words underline the importance of recognising their sacrifices: "They are one with the tides of the sea, they are one with the tides of our hearts".

Wreaths were laid and respects paid to late family members at this heartfelt commemoration.