Royal Marines Memorial Garden Portsmouth

The Royal Marines Memorial Garden sits beside the former Eastney Barracks, near Eastney Beach. Marked by the ‘Yomper’ statue, unveiled by Baroness Thatcher in 1992, it honors Royal Marines history.

Opened by Prince Philip in 1995, the garden features memorial stones, benches, and a central path lined with flowerbeds. The Lumsden Memorial honors Brigadier General F.W. Lumsden, a decorated Royal Marine officer. A stone at the far end commemorates officers and marines killed at Fort Cumberland in 1940. Among the plantings is the Franceville Rose, linked to RM Commandos in Normandy, 1944.

Royal Marines Falkland War Memorial
Text on the memorial, situated in the garden of the Royal Marines Museum in Portsmouth:
These stones come from the areas of 'Two Sisters' and 'Mount Harriet' in the Falkland Islands. They were selected and donated by the islanders, shipped to this garden as a gift by Jeppesen Heaton Ltd and erected in memory of those Royal Marines who fell during the Falklands War in 1982.

40, 43, 44, 45, 45 (command post), 46, 47 & 48 Royal Marine Commando Memorials
These memorials commemorate the Marines of the above-mentioned Marine units who died during various military conflicts.

Brig Gen F. W. Lumsden Memorial
Inscription (Front)
Brigadier General
F.W.Lumsden
V.C.,C.B.,D.S.O.
Royal Marine Artillery
Born 14th Dec.1871. Killed in action 4th June 1918.

L.F.Roslyn R.B.
Sculptor
London

Inscription (Left)
Distinguished
Service Order
1st Jan 1917
1st Bar to D.S.O.
11th May 1917
2nd Bar to D.S.O.
11th May 1917
3rd Bar to D.S.O.
22nd Apl. 1918
Belgian Croix
De Guerre
13th Sept 1918
Awarded for Acts
Of Conspicuous
Gallantry and
Devotion to Duty

Inscription (Back)
Specially promoted Lieutenant Colonel
For distinguished service 25th Oct 1917
Awarded
C.B.Military Division 3rd June 1918
Four Times memtioned in despatches
Twice Wounded
This memorial was erected by his
comrades of all ranks in the
Royal Marines Artillery
And by the officers and men of the
Divisions of the Army with which he
Served in France and Belgium

Inscription (Right)
Victoria Cross
8th June 1917
Awarded for
Conspicuous
Bravery
Determination
And devotion to
Duty in bringing
In six captured
Enemy's guns under
Very heavy fire.

Cockleshell Heroes Memorial
This memorial commemorates the 10 naval commandos who died during Operation Frankton.

Fort Cumberland Battle of Britain Memorial
This memorial commemorates eight marines who died on 26 August 1940.

HMS Vindictive Parapet Anchor
Text at the memorial: "Parapet Anchor used by HMS Vindictive during the attack on Zeebrugge 22nd/23rd April 1918"

Landing Craft Gun And Flak WWII Memorial
This memorial commemorates the marines who died on the Landing Craft Gun & Flak. Specific battles are mentioned elsewhere on the stone.

Royal Naval School of Music and Royal Marines Buglers Memorial
This stone commemorates the marines of the Royal Naval School of Music and Royal Marines Buglers who died during the Second World War.

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Source

• Text: TracesofWar
• Photos: Tim Sheerman-Chase