People gathered at Sulphur Point today to remember the loss of 32,000 merchant navy personnel during World War II.

People gathered at Sulphur Point today to commemorate NZ Merchant Navy Day. Photos: Daniel Hines.

Merchant Navy Day on Tuesday is commemorating the loss of 32,000 merchant navy personnel during World War II.

September 3 is the chosen date to commemorate the day – being the day World War II began and the passenger liner SS Athenia sunk, killing 118 passengers and seamen – but Tauranga is choosing to hold its commemorative service on Sunday, September 8.

Former merchant seamen Bob Wyld, from Tauranga, and John Gregson, from Mount Maunganui, first went to sea as teenagers and experienced their vessels being torpedoed and sunk.

Bob, 91, is the oldest surviving NZ merchant seaman and laid the wreath at today's service.

John was awarded a George Cross medal for his bravery at sea after saving a fellow crewman's life and also attended the service today.

Tauranga mayor Stuart Crosby also attended today's service.

About 150 people attended last years' service including Tauranga MP Simon Bridges and Lt. Col. Tim Woodman on behalf of the British High Commission.