Portsmouth Naval Memorial Rededicated on its 100th Anniversary in Honour of Fallen Sailors

A moving ceremony took place today at the Portsmouth Naval Memorial to commemorate its 100th anniversary, with a torch lit to honour the 25,000 sailors who lost their lives in both World Wars. Locals of all ages gathered at Clarence Esplanade in Southsea on October 4, to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The event featured a 24-strong Royal Navy Guard of Honour, marching from The D-Day Story museum to join standard bearers and veterans from the armed forces. Vice Admiral Peter Hudson CB CBE, Vice Chairman of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, led the rededication, echoing the words used at the original ceremony a century ago. Addressing the crowd, he referred to the memorial as an "unmistakable obelisk" alongside its sister monuments in Chatham and Plymouth, ensuring the fallen remain in daily sight of those at sea or ashore.

Vice Admiral Hudson expressed the importance of maintaining the memorial’s dignity, stating, “We work tirelessly to preserve the integrity and majesty of this site, which memorializes 25,000 sailors. It will stand for perpetuity as a testament to their lives, ensuring they are never forgotten. As the number of veterans dwindles, the duty to keep their stories alive now falls to future generations.”

The solemn service continued with a blessing from Royal Navy Chaplain Reverend Stephen Wilson, followed by the playing of The Last Post and a two-minute silence, observed by all in attendance. The ceremony concluded with the laying of wreaths and the singing of the National Anthem.

Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan, whose own grandfather, James Kaminski, was a D-Day veteran, found the event deeply meaningful. Kaminski had landed on Juno Beach with Canadian forces on his 17th birthday and served throughout the remainder of the war. Morgan shared his thoughts, stating, "Seeing the Portsmouth Naval Memorial standing tall a hundred years later is a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those who served at sea. It's crucial for the younger generations to understand the sacrifices made so that we can have a better future.”

Royal Navy reservist AB Emma Cutler, who has a deep family connection to the Navy, also participated in the event. Her father, Lieutenant Commander Peter Southern, served as a submariner, while her grandfather was a clearance diver, and her grandmother worked as a photographer. Reflecting on the ceremony, she said, “It was an honour to be part of this commemoration. Marching alongside regular Navy personnel as a reservist allowed me to pay my respects. It’s essential that we pass this legacy down to our children, so they understand the profound sacrifices made.”

MP for Portsmouth North, Amanda Martin, described the event as an emotional experience, emphasizing Portsmouth’s long-standing connection to the Royal Navy. “This city is the home of the Royal Navy, and it’s an honour to witness the respect paid to those who served. The words spoken today resonate with our current Navy’s humanitarian efforts across the world, reminding us that their service extends beyond war.”

The Portsmouth Naval Memorial played a central role during the national commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day earlier this year, highlighting its enduring significance.

Simon Bendry, Director of Education, Engagement, and Volunteering at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, stressed the importance of educating future generations about the memorial and the stories behind the names etched upon it. “The biggest challenge after the First World War was finding a way to commemorate those lost at sea, who have no grave but the sea. These three memorials, in Portsmouth, Chatham, and Plymouth, ensure that all who served—whether Rear Admiral, Able Seaman, or Boy Sailor—are remembered. A century on, we continue to ensure their legacy lives on.”

Lieutenant Daniel Mooney, who served as the Guard Officer during the ceremony, reflected on the impact of the day, saying, “Being part of this rededication has been the most humbling experience. It’s easy to think of past battles like Trafalgar or Jutland as distant history, but this memorial reminds us that these were real people. Their names are etched here, and it’s our duty to ensure they are not forgotten. Their sacrifice inspires me every day.”