Showcase result

Hertford Merchant Navy

The memorial to fallen of the Merchant Navy from Hertfordshire is in the churchyard of All Saints Church, Gascoyne Way, Hertford. It is a dark grey memorial stone 2ft 9 high by 2ft 6 wide with gold lettering and the badge of the Merchant Navy inscribed at the top. The memorial is the only one in the county to commemorate all those from Hertfordshire lost at sea in the two world wars.

In June 2004 War Memorials Trust offered £250 towards the costs of the construction and erection of the memorial.

The inscription on the memorial reads

In honour
Dedicated to the memory of
Hertfordshire’s merchant navy
who gave their lives
in the two World Wars
They never knew the honour
Of medals on their chests
Or marching bands and victory
And glory and the rest
The ocean is their resting place
Their tombstone is the wind
The sea birds cry their last goodbye
To family and friends
Rest in peace in God’s good keeping
We will remember them
Hertfordshire branch
Vindicatrix Association

The memorial was unveiled at a ceremony on 24th April 2005 by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire. The ceremony was conducted by the Right Reverend Christopher Foster Bishop of Hertford and was also attended by Nick Wilson, the deputy mayor of Hertford and dignitaries of all political parties as well as 200 members of the public.

Further information

War Memorials Trust reference WM1366
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