Tower Hamlets in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Tower Hill Memorial
Second World War extension
The Tower Hill Memorial extension bears the names of almost 24,000 men and women who died in the Second World War and have no known grave, their bodies lost or buried at sea.
During the war, the merchant Navy risked attack from submarine, air and surface raiders to transport vital supplies across the globe. By the end of the conflict more than 4,800 merchant ships had been sunk, and over 32,000 merchant sailors has lost their lives.
The Second World War extension to the Tower Hill Memorial was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II on 5 November 1955. The names of the war dead are listed alphabetically under the ships in which they served.
Boy Sailors
Some of those who went to sea were very young. Kenneth Lewis was 14 years old and his brother Raymond was 15. The boys are believed to have forged a letter from their father to sign up. Both died when their ship, S.S. Fiscus was sunk in October 1940 by German submarine, U-99. Commemorated on Panel 49, they are two of the youngest merchant seamen killed in the Second World War.
Design
The Extension takes the form of a remembrance garden. It was designed by Sir Edward Maufe, the principle architect for War Graves memorials and cemeteries in the UK after the Second World War. At the entrance are two sculptures of merchant seamen by Sir Charles Wheeler, who also designed the depictions of the Seven Seas upon the memorial walls.
Other places to visit
Those who died at sea during the World Wars often have no known grave. The CWGC commemorates 65,000 missing service personnel of the Royal Navy on three memorials at Portsmouth, Plymouth and Chatham. Each memorial also serves as a marker point for shipping, guiding other sailors home to safe harbours.
Erected by Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker and memorial is listed in this topic list: Military. In addition, it is included in the Lost at Sea series list.
Location. 51° 30.576′ N, 0° 4.673′ W. Marker is in Tower Hamlets, England, in Greater London. Marker is at the intersection of Tower Hill (England Route A100) and Trinity Square, on the right when traveling west on Tower Hill. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tower Hamlets, England EC3N 4DH, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The Tower Hill Memorial (here, next to this marker); Tower Hill Execution Site (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Tower Hill Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Edward I’s formidable fortress (within shouting distance of this marker); Strengthening the fortress (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tower in 1700 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Trinity House (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); London Wall (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tower Hamlets.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 176 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 13, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.