The Importance of Honoring the Memory of HMS Royal Oak
Key Highlights :
The tragic sinking of HMS Royal Oak in 1939 was one of the most devastating naval disasters of the Second World War. The battleship, which was based in Portsmouth, England, was torpedoed by a German U-Boat, resulting in the deaths of 835 crew members. In recent years, the HMS Royal Oak Association, a Portsmouth-based organization, has been working to honor the memory of those who perished in the sinking by proposing a memorial to be erected in the city.
Unfortunately, the Portsmouth Society has objected to the memorial, questioning the amount of thought that has gone into the 8ft obelisk proposed by the association. The organization has suggested that something with “more craft and consideration” would be better suited. The society also raised concerns about the chosen position for the memorial, which is on The Hard, a prominent and important spot in the city.
The association has responded to the objections, noting that The Hard is a fitting position for a memorial of naval significance, and that the memorial is intended to commemorate not just the sinking of HMS Royal Oak, but also to honor those who died in the tragedy. The association has also pointed out that the memorial is intended to be a permanent reminder of the lives lost, and that it would be accessible to everyone in Portsmouth, not just those with security clearance.
The memorial proposed by the association is an 8ft obelisk made of abbey grey granite, and it includes a plaque with the names of all 835 crew members who perished in the sinking. The organization has also proposed that an annual ceremony be held at the memorial to mark the loss of the ship, with Royal Navy divers placing a White Ensign underwater at her stern.
The proposal for the memorial has been submitted to the Portsmouth City Council, and is currently being considered by council planning officers. The association is hopeful that the memorial will be approved, and that the city of Portsmouth can finally honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the sinking of HMS Royal Oak.
The proposed memorial is an important reminder of the tragedy of war, and of the human cost of conflict. It is also a reminder of the bravery of those who put their lives on the line in service of their country. The memory of those who perished in the sinking of HMS Royal Oak should be honored and remembered, and the memorial proposed by the HMS Royal Oak Association is a fitting way to do so.
