By Andrew Brown. Photos by Dave Brown Photography
Thousands of people came to watch HRH The Princess Royal as she carried out the re-dedication of Southport War Memorial on Friday to commemorate its 100th anniversary.
The event was organised by Southport Royal British Legion.
Hundreds of veterans took part in a parade which was led by the Band of the Royal Air Force College and be made up of Armed Forces personnel and Veterans from all three services, as well as Cadets from The Sea Cadets, Army Cadet Force, The Royal Air Force Cadets and Merchant Taylor’s Combined Cadet Force.
Princess Anne visited Southport to lead the centenary re-dedication of Southport War Memorial. The unveiling of the plaque with princess Anne and event organiser Major Nick McEntee. Photo by Dave Brown Photography
The parade also included contingents from 27 schools in the Southport area as it made its way from Victoria Park, along Lord Street and to the Monument
Children at local schools also took part in a competition to create pictures or stories with a remembrance theme.
The Southport War Memorial re-dedication was then directed by Colonel (Retd) Monsignor Stephen Alker MBE and was attended by senior civil dignitaries and senior military figures.
Princess Anne visited Southport to lead the centenary re-dedication of Southport War Memorial. Photo by Dave Brown Photography
World War Two veterans who were present as guests of honour included 102-year-old D-Day veteran Harry Howorth; 100-year-old D-Day veteran Eric Suchland; and Ben Benbow, who served in the Royal Navy aboard HMS Crane.
Event organiser, Major Nick McEntee TD VR REME and Chairman of the Royal British Legion, Southport, said:
“We would like to say a huge huge thank you to our volunteer team, including Royston Smith-Straney, who made the whole event happen.
“We are also grateful to all the local businesses which supported us, with a list published in our souvenir programme.
Princess Anne visited Southport to lead the centenary re-dedication of Southport War Memorial. Event organiser Major Nick McEntee (left). Photo by Dave Brown Photography
“Ultimately, we are hoping that this historic event will be the start of the community really pulling together to make Southport an even better place for all.
“While we have organising this event to celebrate the centenary of Southport War Memorial and raise awareness of the Southport Royal British Legion Hub, we have also done this for our town as a whole to raise Southport’s profile and to celebrate our town’s great heritage.
“All of those hundreds of names on the Monument are local people, many of whose relatives are living here still.
“They deserve to be remembered.”
Princess Anne visited Southport to lead the centenary re-dedication of Southport War Memorial. Photo by Dave Brown Photography
Southport War Memorial was opened in 1923 by the Earl of Derby and 320 children whose parents had been tragically killed on the battlefields in World War One.
During the Great War, between 1914 and 1918, it is estimated that nearly 10,000 men and women from Southport served with His Majesty’s Forces overseas or at home, out of a population of 72,500.
The Roll of Honour in the four Cenotaphs of the Memorial included no fewer than 1,133 names when it was officially unveiled.
Princess Anne visited Southport to lead the centenary re-dedication of Southport War Memorial. Photo by Dave Brown Photography
Hundreds more were added during the Second World War and from conflicts around the world since then, including in Iraq and Afghanistan during this century.
Her Royal Highness attended the event in her capacity as President of the Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion.
Southport Royal British Legion President and former Mayor of Sefton Cllr Clare Carragher said:
“The Southport War Memorial re-dedication has been a day to remember!
“It’s an event that people who were there to see it will never forget.
Princess Anne visited Southport to lead the centenary re-dedication of Southport War Memorial. Southport Royal British Legion President Clare Carragher. Photo by Dave Brown Photography
“The whole day ran so smoothly. The logistics and the organisation were second to none.
“This can be used as the template for other major events here.
“It shows that Southport could and should be considered as the perfect location to host national Armed Forces Day. We are ready for it!
Princess Anne visited Southport to lead the centenary re-dedication of Southport War Memorial. Photo by Dave Brown Photography
“There was a brilliant turnout. The people of Southport have to be congratulated for getting 100% behind it.
“I have had some very positive feedback from Princess Anne.
“She stayed for an hour longer than she was originally scheduled to do.
Princess Anne visited Southport to lead the centenary re-dedication of Southport War Memorial. Photo by Dave Brown Photography
“She said she met some really lovely people, including veterans and schoolchildren, during her visit to Southport, and she felt very welcome.”
Southport MP Damien Moore said:
“Today, we gathered to rededicate the Southport War Memorial in remembrance of those who have given their lives in pursuit of freedom, justice, and democracy.
“I pay tribute to our brave service members, both past and present, who risk their lives daily in the defence of others. Their unwavering courage and selflessness embody the very best of what Britain represents.
Princess Anne visited Southport to lead the centenary re-dedication of Southport War Memorial. Sarah McEntee performed for the crowds. Photo by Dave Brown Photography
“I would like to thank Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal for commemorating the monument for its 100th anniversary, and share with her our most solemn gratitude to all those we remember today.”
Located in London Square on Lord Street, Southport War Memorial was unveiled on 18th November 1923 by the Earl of Derby along with local children of the fallen from World War One.
Princess Anne visited Southport to lead the centenary re-dedication of Southport War Memorial. Photo by Dave Brown Photography
The impressive structure comprises an obelisk flanked by two colonnades in the form of Greek temples. Outside the colonnades are public memorial gardens, each containing a Pool of Remembrance and fountains.
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