'Last thing he wanted before he died': 'Full steam ahead' to complete Royal Navy Coastal Forces statue
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Antony Hichens’ last wish was to see the memorial set up to honour his father and those who served alongside him
Intricate designs and figures commemorating brave and courageous Royal Navy volunteer sailors are starting to take shape.
Skilled sculptors and engineers are working tirelessly to bring the Coastal Forces Monument to life. Being constructed at the Elephant Boatyard on the River Hamble, the memorial honours the sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Coastal Forces and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR).
It was a special occasion for Tamsin Clive, High Sheriff of Herefordshire, as her grandfather Lieutenant Commander Robert Hichens - the most decorated coastal forces officer of the Second World War - is at the centrepiece of the mural. Her father, Antony Hichens, played an integral role in the project since its inception as a Coastal Forces Heritage Trust senior trustee, but he won’t see it completed. He died at the age of 89 in March.
His final wish was to see the memorial erected, honouring his father and those who served alongside him. Ms Clive told The News: “To see the hull taking shape and the waves being formed is amazing. I can’t believe it’s finally happening.
“My grandfather left a legacy which really inspired my dad. For my father, it was the last thing he wanted to get across the line before he died. He was involved right from the start despite going blind. It will be very sad for him not to see it.
“I was brought up to be incredibly proud of my grandad, the most decorated RNVR officer of the war. I’m honoured that the figure of the officer is going to be him. galvanised people and was considered a great leader, but he’s a representation of all those brave men and women.”
What is the Coastal Forces Squadron?
Coastal forces personnel earned over 3,000 bravery awards during the Second World War. This included four Victoria Crosses, more per capita than any other branch of the Royal 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 with an average age of 21. The monument is due to be set up in the Victory Gate entrance of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, free for the public to see.
Ms Clive said the memorial was long overdue to immortalise the stories of those who served, many of whom fought when they were barely old enough to have children.
“Everything in my father’s life was inspired by this hero he was looking up to,” she added. “I’m certain he wouldn’t have achieved what he did without the urge to honour his father’s legacy. I can’t believe they got such a significant spot. It’s wonderful. It’ll be incredible for so many people when it’s done. The trustees have worked tirelessly to make it happen.
She said: “It’s been a forgotten side to the navy. Right now with everything going on around the world, you recognise the importance of coastal forces. After the war it sort of just slipped away. It’s great to finally have their stories brought forward.”
More work to be done
The monument itself will feature two life-sized bronze figures poised on the bows of a motor gunboat, with a Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS) signaller alongside them. It’ll stand at four metres tall and be complete with waves and friezes which tell the story of the coastal forces. It’s scheduled to be completed by May 2027.
Award-winning sculptor Amy Goodman said: “It’s been a long involved process and it’s fantastic that the motor gunboat is being made in the traditional way. It’s an integral part of the design.
“We’re pulling different aspects of the project together. It’ll be quite striking when it’s done. This is definitely the largest monument I’ve ever created. It’s pushing me out of my comfort zone, but I’m learning all the time and the project has really tracked attention.
“The design is intricate and I want it to be a stepping stone so people can be inspired to go to the museums there. It’s going to be a busy year and it’s full steam ahead.”
Initial funding has been acquired to start the project. A new campaign is launching this weekend to generate the rest of the £250,000 total. Celebrities are getting behind the project, including journalist Andrew Marr, whose uncle Hamish was killed in the Second World War at Dunkirk aged 20.
All donations are being matched by businesses and generous benefactors, with the eventual total being doubled. Chair of the Coastal Forces Heritage Trust, Rex Cox, served in the Royal Navy for 36 years and reached the rank of Rear Admiral.
The Southsea resident said he has a strong connection with the coastal forces from his time in service, including a two-year exchange with the Royal Norwegian Navy driving the squadron’s boats around the fjords. “It’s part of my DNA,” he added. “I get to play with those boats on a regular basis. It’s every schoolboy's dream. It’s magical.
“This is our collective responsibility to tell this story about some incredible people. The project speaks for itself. The Historic Quarter has been really helpful in siting it at such an iconic location. We’re being overwhelmingly supported.
“It needs to make you stop and look at the friezes to capture that imagination. We've shown the designs to the veterans and families, and they’re very excited. I’m confident we’ll get the full fundraising, but it does take members of the public to get on board and be part of it.”
Donations can be made on the Coastal Forces Heritage Trust website.