Showcase result

Portsmouth (WWII)

The war memorial to the servicemen and women and the civilians of Portsmouth who gave their lives during World War II is situated in the Guildhall Square next to the Great War memorial. It is a tall rectangular stone monument with the badges of the services carved in relief on the faces. On the front face of the memorial, near the top, are a star and crescent from the town’s coat of arms. Lower on the front face of the memorial are two plaques with inscriptions. The monument stands in front of a curved brick wall.

In August 2004 War Memorials Trust gave £250 towards the costs of commissioning and constructing this memorial.

The memorial was unveiled by Princess Alexandra on 8th November 2005. Before this monument was unveiled there was no general memorial to the World War II fallen of Portsmouth, although there was a memorial on Southsea Common to all those of the Navy who died whilst serving on Portsmouth-based ships. The project was spearheaded by the daughter of a soldier who died at Dunkirk.

The dedication on the memorial reads:

"In memory of the service men and women
and the citizens of Portsmouth
who gave their lives in defence
of their country during World War II"

The lower plaque records the unveiling of the monument:

"Unveiled 
by 
HRH Princess Alexandra 
8th November 2005"

Money is still being raised for the names of the fallen to be inscribed on the surrounding walls.

Further information

War Memorials Trust reference WM1417
UK National Inventory of War Memorials:

If you have a concern about this memorial please contact the Trust on conservation@warmemorials.org

Return to search results | Start a new search