Of the 1,415 men lost in the sinking of Hood, at least 30 are known to be from the Greater London area. Several of these men are believed to have been from the southern portions of the area (Lewisham, Honor Oak and the various other nearby communities). Sometime after the war, a gentleman named Ray Raymont created a memorial to these lost locals.
In 2006, the memorial was in grave need of restoration. Tony Green and Duncan MacDonald-Heaney undertook this task. They contacted various agencies (to include the H.M.S. Hood Association) in an effort to research the memorial and ensure details were correct. They also consulted the news media in order to get the word out about the memorial.
Eventually, they arranged to have the memorial publicly re-dedicated. They successfully sought out various dignitaries and groups to participate. The event ultimately took place on Sunday, 20 May 2007.
The very large dedication party assembled in preparation for a parade at noon. At 1230 hours, the procession departed from Daneby Rd, Catford, then turned left onto Bromley Rd. The parade turned right onto Allerford Road where the salute was taken. Immediately afterward, the banners, cadets and colour guard turned right onto the grounds of the Bellingham Ex-Servicemen's Club.
The remainder of the parade party carried on a short distance and were soon released. Everyone made their way onto the club grounds and into the memorial gardens. At this point, speeches were made and a letter from Hood's last living survivor, Ted Briggs, was read. Unfortunately, due to various health issues and prior commitments, the Association had been unable to send any veterans.
A vicar blessed the memorial and led prayers. The attending band played and the assembly joined in singing hymns. At this point, the cadets carried the memorial to its position in the gardens and the ceremonies were complete.
The parade and/or dedication ceremonies were attended by roughly 300 people. Notably present were the following individuals or groups:
- Councelors Sylvia Scott andPeggy Fitzimmonds
- Lt Colonel Conrad Graham, deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lewisham
- Lt Cmdr David Lewis, Royal Navy, who took the salute
- Dave Poulon, Regional Chairman Royal British Legion
- The Committee members who organised the memorial- Tom Healey, Bill Went, John Newey, Jeff Phillips,Tony Green and Duncan MacDonald-Heaney
- City Of London Royal Marines
- Ghurkas
- Sea Cadets (Greenwich and Croydon)
- Colour Party
- Combined Irish Regiments
- East Surrey Rifles Association
- Royal British Legion Honour Oak and Brockley Branch, plus the Barry Road Branch
- Bellingham Ex-Servicemens Club
- Parachute Regiment,
- British Army Association
- Royal Navy Association
- Korean Veterans
- Allerford Botanical Club who raise money for the upkeep of the gardens
- Annie Lowe, 1940s music singer
- Ray Raymont, creator of the memorial
This endeavour proved to be a great success. It will be an annual ceremony. We heartily congratulate Tony and Duncan for doing a wonderful job.
Assorted Photos
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