Relocation of veterans’ memorial in Speke marked with moving ceremony

Published: 14 December 2020

The relocation of the Royal British Legion memorial garden in Speke took place yesterday, Sunday 13 December, in a moving ceremony.

The former memorial garden in Dam Wood Road had fallen into disrepair and had become inaccessible after the loss of the Royal British Legion club to fire in 2017. After extensive consultation with the families of the 119 ex-service personnel and members remembered there, a new home was found in the grounds of All Saints Church in Speke.

A hearse, carrying a casket containing earth representing those remembered, made its way from Dam Wood Road to its new home, flanked by family members and military personnel from HMS Eaglet, Royal Marines of RMR Merseyside, reservist soldiers and RAF personnel.

The event was coordinated by Royal Navy Sub-Lieutenant Liam Humphries, who liaised with families, the local community, and South Liverpool Homes to coordinate the move.

Sub-Lieutenant Hughes has been part of the annual remembrance services in Speke since the age of ten and his great-grandfather, Able Seaman Francis Green, is one of the ex-service people laid to rest at the new memorial site.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Liam said, "Although it was sad to see the garden go having been part of my life for so long, the plans that the families, housing developers and I created are fitting.

"It was an honour to organise and represent the community and families who could not attend the service. It was a humbling event and we can now all have peace of mind that they now lay to rest permanently."

The land occupied by the former Royal British Legion site is now owned by South Liverpool Homes, who plan to regenerate the area.

Claire Ryan, South Liverpool Homes Executive Director of Investment and Assurance said, “Yesterday’s ceremony was a fitting tribute to the 119 service personnel and Royal British Legion members remembered at the garden.

“The war memorial at All Saints Church is a beautiful place for families to reflect and remember their loved ones. We would like to thank Sub-Lieutenant Humphries for his help in coordinating the event and ensuring that as many families as possible were part of the process.

“We would also like to thank all the families who engaged with us throughout the process to make the move possible.

“As a local housing provider, we’re committed to regenerating the area where the former Royal British Legion building stood, and leave a fitting legacy in the form of homes for generations to come.”