Tag: World War Two

Gosport remembers as new war memorial plaque is commemorated

Posted on by ashleymarsh
Andrea Witham with Cllr Dawn Kelly

Gosportarians gathered together yesterday to remember those who suffered during the enemy action of World War II after a replacement plaque has been sited in Stoke Road.

Marking one of the worst nights of World War II for those living in Gosport – 10/11 January 1941, the replacement war memorial plaque is located on the newer Marina Buildings which were destroyed in air raids.

Yesterday’s commemorative ceremony was organised by Councillor Dawn Kelly, who arranged the replacement plaque thanks to funding from Southern Co-op and its funeral care branch in Stoke Road, after the previous plaque became weather-worn and difficult to read.

The plaque now states: “Marina Buildings. This stone was laid as a memorial to the people of Gosport who lost their lives due to enemy action. Here on the night of 10/11 January 1941 Marina Buildings were destroyed in air raids. Rebuilt December 1947. Architect Ernest I. Thomas FRIBA, Builder John Hunt Ltd, Owner George Brigden.”

Dawn Kelly said: “The previous plaque started life in St Edwards Road and over the years it was moved and had become very weathered. The stone was so hard to read that it made reproducing the text a challenge.

“It needed replacing so I was very pleased when Southern Co-op offered to do it for free via their stonemasons. It is a mark of respect for people who put their lives on the line so it is only right for it to be restored and a commemorative ceremony to mark the occasion.”

During World War II, a total of 114 people lost their lives in Gosport as a result of air raids.

According to Gosport Heritage Open Days, Gosport experienced 1,591 alerts, 61 raids, it was hit by more than 400 high explosive bombs and over 10,000 incendiary bombs were dropped.

Andrea Witham, Funeral Co-ordinator at The Co-operative Funeralcare in Stoke Road, Gosport, said: “With war in the forefront of our minds, it seems even more poignant than ever to mark this occasion and commemorate all those who have lost their lives over the years.

“With many of the people who lived through World War II no longer with us, it is important for the rest of us to take up the baton and ensure their experiences continue to be remembered.”

Special thanks also to Haven Memorials and The Queens Hotel.

WWI centenary commemorated

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Window displays of poppies and memories are on show across Portsmouth as a message of thanks to all who fought in the First World War.

Fratton Funeralcare’s Window

The public displays of thanks are taking place at Southern Co-op funeral homes in Portsmouth and beyond.

At the Eastney Road branch in Southsea, a photo is being proudly displayed of Funeral Co-ordinator Sally Chudley’s grandfather who was a sub lieutenant in the Royal Navy Reserve during the Second World War.

Sally said: “My grandfather was mentioned in dispatches for the part that he played in the rescuing of troops at the D-Day landings. I have put a copy of the certification in the window with a photo of him in his uniform along with some war poems.

“Lots of people have been coming up to the window to have a look and read the poems which is lovely.”

Eastney Road Funeralcare’s Window

At the Fratton branch in Portsmouth, the window is decorated to remember all those who fought and lost their lives in the war including Funeral Co-ordinator James Wiltshire-Bowles’s Great Uncle.

The display also includes an original copy of The Evening Post announcing that the War had ended, a helmet worn by one of the soldiers and ammunition that was used during the war, along with some photos of soldiers.

James said: “My Great Uncle Private Frederick James Pluck was killed on 1st July 1916 aged 26 on the first day of the battle of the Somme.

“His photo is proudly displayed in the window alongside a presentation tin sent to the soldiers by Queen Mary, which contained tobacco and chocolate.

Bishop’s Waltham Funeralcare’s window

“We had one lady pop in whose father fought in the war. He was one of the lucky ones that came home, he was injured but he made it home.

“She got a bit emotional saying that this time of year he always wept at how thankful he was that he survived but then also for the friends and colleagues he lost. She passed on her thanks that the display had such meaning.”

In Copnor, local school children are helping to decorate the window with images from a drawing competition in relation to Remembrance Day being displayed in the window.

To find your nearest the branch, click here.