Unveiled by Queen Mary in 1928, The Merchant Navy Memorial commemorates men and women of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who died in both World Wars and who "have no grave but the sea." In the First World War, the role of this civilian navy, the 'Mercantile Marine', was the lifeblood that kept the Royal Navy and Britain supplied with all goods ranging from food, fuel, ammunition and aided in troop transport.
Picture provided by R J Hoefling.
The First World War section of the Memorial commemorates almost 12,000 Mercantile Marine sailors who were lost at sea. Sir Edwin Lutyens designed the memorial with the sculpture by Sir William Reid-Dick. This Grade I-listed memorial has helped the national conversation for those unaware of the role the Merchant Navy has continued to play within our national story; just unfortunate that 27 years later, an extension will be added.
Here is a silent video of Her Majesty Queen Mary, accompanied by Princess Mary, unveiling The Merchant Navy Memorial on 12th December 1928.
Unveiling of The Merchant Navy Memorial by HM Queen Mary, 1928
by British Pathé
Just as the first, in the Second World War, casualties were high, peaking in 1942. Thousands gave their lives in service to their King and Country and were often at the mercy of the German U-Boats that patrolled the UK's shipping lanes. Below is a video of when HM Queen Elizabeth II unveiled the Second World War extension on 5th November 1955. This Grade II-listed extension, which lists almost 24,000 names, was designed by Sir Edward Maufe with Sir Charles Wheeler, its sculptor.
HM Queen Elizabeth II unveils the extension to The Merchant Navy Memorial, 1955
by British Pathé https://www.britishpathe.com/video/VLVAA38M33FBTQTPR56GE7TWGKGZ3-NEWS
Please click here for more information on the Memorial or the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, please click here.
Remembrance Sunday Services
Every year, the Honourable Company of Master Mariners organises the annual Service of Remembrance on Remembrance Sunday in Trinity Square Gardens. The service is from 1030 till 1130 and is open to all. To see our latest service, please click here and search our news articles.
In this section
The design of Trinity Square Gardens and the Merchant Navy Memorial may make access for people with limited mobility difficult, and people using wheelchairs or mobility scooters may require some help to reach certain areas.
TRAVEL
Underground:
Tower Hill station (Circle & District) is opposite Trinity Square Gardens and has step-free access.
Bus:
15 Trafalgar Sq/Charing Cross station–Blackwall stn.
42 Primrose St/Liverpool St station–East Dulwich Sainsbury’s.
78 Shoreditch High St station–Tower Gateway stn-St Mary’s Rd, Nunhead.
100 King Edward St/St Paul’s station-Tower Gateway stn-St George’s Town Hall/Shadwell stn.
DLR:
Tower Gateway station is 5 minutes’ walk away, east of Trinity Square Gardens. All DLR stations have step-free access.
National Rail:
Fenchurch Street and Liverpool Street stations are to the north of Trinity Square Gardens, 3 and 17 mins’ walk away respectively.
London River Services:
Tower Pier is 4 minutes’ walk away, south of Trinity Square Gardens.
Cycle:
Cycleway CS3 from Lancaster Gate – Trinity Square Gardens – Barking.