A NEW memorial to remember merchant seamen who gave their lives in the line of duty has been erected at a Portishead landmark. The Pill and North Somerset branch of the Merchant Navy Association unveiled the stone memorial at Battery Point at a special co

A NEW memorial to remember merchant seamen who gave their lives in the line of duty has been erected at a Portishead landmark.The Pill and North Somerset branch of the Merchant Navy Association unveiled the stone memorial at Battery Point at a special commemorative service.Branch chairman Tim Bull said: "For many centuries Pill has been providing the Port not just with pilots, hobblers and port workers, but with seafarers to serve the merchant fleets under the red and blue ensigns. These stalwart men put to sea in all winds and weathers, carrying cargo to and from all points of the compass, helping to make the Port of Bristol the success it is today."It was decided to erect the stone memorial on Battery Point as it was not only the first and last point of land that seafarers saw as they left and entered port, but it is the closest point of land that merchant ships can pass close to as they enter or leave any UK port.