"Long overdue" and "inspiring" Royal Navy coastal forces statue could be built at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

The statue will commemorate the bravery of the men and women who served in the Royal Navy’s Coastal Forces and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR). Taking pride of place at just inside Victory Gate, it is expected to be unveiled in May 2027, if its fundraising campaign is successful.

The aim is to raise £250,000, with early levels of funding already secured. Rear Admiral Rex Cox, Chair of the Coastal Forces Heritage Trust. said: “Coastal Forces, the RNVR, and the WRNS made extraordinary contributions in both world wars. The design reflects their courage and ingenuity - and this campaign is our opportunity to give them the recognition they deserve.”

Sailors who served in the Coastal Forces during both World Wars and operated small fast attack vessels. The division earned over 3,000 bravery awards, including four Victoria Crosses, more per capita than any other branch of the Navy. They fired more torpedoes than submariners, fought in 900 actions, and sank 400 enemy ships while 300 of their own.

Most of the personnel were drawn from the RNVR and wartime conscripts. Ordinary people from all walks of life joined up, with an average age of 21. Hannah Prowse, CEO of Portsmouth Historic Quarter, said: “As the Home port of heritage, Portsmouth Historic Quarter is the natural home for this monument.

“We are privileged to be the custodians of Motor Gun Boat 81 and Coastal Motor Boat 4R that allow people to experience the thrill of riding on Coastal Forces vessels. We are excited at the prospect of this interactive and inspiring monument which will help bring the stories of courage and daring to life.”

Sign up for a weekly briefing on the defence sector’s biggest stories with our free newsletter, The Week in Defence

The monument is designed by celebrated Hampshire-based sculptor Amy Goodman. It will feature two bronze figures poised on the bows of a motor gunboat, with a Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS) signaller alongside them. Standing at four metres tall, it aims to showcase the teamwork and dedication that defined Coastal Forces operations.

Matthew Sheldon, the CEO of the National Museum of the Royal Navy said: “I am delighted to support this important public monument. It will stand in the perfect position, looking across the Harbour and over to the Museum's permanent exhibition ‘Night Hunters: The Royal Navy’s Coastal Forces at War’ at the Explosion Museum.”

A donation page can be found on the Coastal Forces Heritage Trust website.