The construction of a new monument honoring the wartime heroes of the Royal Navy is now officially underway in Portsmouth. This landmark sculpture, dedicated to the Coastal Forces (CF), represents a significant tribute to those who valiantly defended the United Kingdom during both World War I and World War II.
Standing at an impressive height of 13.1 feet (approximately 4 meters), the sculpture will feature a detailed model of a motor gunboat with two sailors aboard. Its prominent location will be at the entrance of the historic Portsmouth Dockyard in Hampshire, right next to the iconic HMS Warrior.
Designed by the talented artist Amy Goodman from Andover, this piece adds to her impressive portfolio, which includes notable works such as a statue of Queen Elizabeth II in Riverside Park, and memorials of rock legends Sir Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in their hometown of Kent.
Richard Farrington, a trustee for the Coastal Forces Heritage Trust, expressed great enthusiasm about the project, stating that the completed monument will be nothing short of "fabulous."
The sailors of the Coastal Forces operated fast and agile vessels, engaging in daring attacks on German supply ships, conducting raids, and assisting in the extraction of undercover agents. Remarkably, many of these brave crew members were young volunteers, typically around the age of 21.
Farrington, who has served as a Commodore in the Royal Navy, praised the crews' extraordinary capabilities. He noted, "There was no GPS technology back then. Navigation was carried out at high speeds of 40 knots, often in complete darkness, relying solely on stopwatches and their instincts.
"Remember, they were just everyday people—bakers, butchers, candlestick makers—yet they accomplished remarkable feats."
Fundraising efforts for the monument are still ongoing, with hopes of installing it sometime next year. Currently, it is being constructed at the Elephant Boatyard located in Southampton.
The design features Lieutenant Commander Robert Hichens alongside a signaller positioned at the bow of a scaled-down version of motorboat MGB 77, which he commanded. Additionally, there are plans to place another figure across the pavement from the main sculpture, representing a member of the Women's Royal Naval Service signaling back.
