Unveiling the Coastal Forces Monument: A Tribute to Wartime Heroes
The Coastal Forces Heritage Trust is bringing to life a remarkable monument dedicated to the unsung heroes of the Royal Navy's Coastal Forces. This ambitious project aims to honor the bravery and skill of young volunteers who played a pivotal role in defending the UK during both World War One and World War Two.
The centerpiece of this monument is a 13.1ft (4m) tall sculpture of a motor gun boat hull, with two crew members aboard. It will stand proudly at the entrance to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in Hampshire, adjacent to the iconic HMS Warrior.
Designed by the talented artist Amy Goodman, based in Andover, this sculpture is a testament to her exceptional craftsmanship. Goodman's previous creations include a stunning statue of Queen Elizabeth II in Riverside Park and memorable portraits of Sir Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in their hometown of Kent.
Richard Farrington, a former Commodore in the Royal Navy and a trustee at the Coastal Forces Heritage Trust, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. He described the Coastal Forces sailors as "remarkable" and highlighted their extraordinary achievements in the absence of modern navigation tools.
"In those days, there was no GPS," Farrington recalled. "Navigation was a challenging endeavor, conducted at high speeds in the dark, relying solely on a stopwatch and their instincts. These were ordinary people performing extraordinary feats."
The monument is currently under construction at the Elephant Boatyard in Southampton, with fundraising efforts ongoing to ensure its completion and installation next year. The sculpture depicts Lieutenant Commander Robert Hichens and a signaller standing at the bow of a scaled-down version of the motor boat MGB 77, which Hichens commanded.
Additionally, plans are in the works to install a figure across the pavement from the main sculpture, depicting a member of the Women's Royal Naval Service signaling back.
This monument serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and contributions made by the Coastal Forces during wartime. It invites visitors to reflect on the bravery and dedication of these young volunteers, who played a crucial role in safeguarding the UK's coastal defenses.
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