Work starts to build "inspiring" Royal Navy coastal forces statue for Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
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Design and building work has begun to make a striking new monument for the Royal Navy’s coastal forces.
Construction to create the hull of the Coastal Forces Monument has begun, with the statue due to be erected in Portsmouth. It is set to be completed for the public to enjoy in the historic quarter of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard by May 2027.
Taking pride of place just inside Victory Gate, the statue will commemorate the bravery and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Coastal Forces and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Award-winning sculptor Amy Goodman will head up the project.
The Hampshire-based designer said: “I have the absolute honour to design and be commissioned to produce a monument for the Coastal Forces. It’s a wonderful and challenging commission.
“It’s not just a planted monument in one place, it takes visitors across the site, and invites them to find out more about the history, bravery, and teamwork of these amazing incredible men and women. I’m working with a great team, so I’m looking forward to seeing this evolve.”
What will the monument look like?
The project is being overseen by the Coastal Forces Heritage Trust, which organised a fundraising campaign for the monument to be constructed. A goal of £250,000 was set after early funding levels were achieved. The monument is currently under construction at the Elephant Boatyard on the River Hamble, where the BBC series Howards Way was filmed.
CEO of Portsmouth Historic Quarter, Hannah Prowse, previously said the “inspiring monument will help bring the stories of courage and daring to life”. Sailors in the Coastal Forces served during both World Wars and operated small fast attack boats.
The division earned over 3,000 bravery awards, including 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 joined up, with an average age of 21.
The monument itself 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.