Post by Administrator on Feb 20, 2015 14:14:33 GMT
Barry’s Merchant Navy Memorial was commissioned by the Vale of Glamorgan Borough Council in recognition of those who had given their lives at sea from an area which has played a prominent role in the maritime tradition of South Wales. Started in 1994, it was first unveiled in 1996. It is situated outside the Civic Offices on Holton Road.
The memorial commemorates merchant seamen from Barry and the Vale of Glamorgan who lost their lives in two world wars. Images relating to the Merchant Navy including insignias and flags are incised around the memorial. Lines by Joseph Conrad are incised on one face of the memorial. Four plaques list the names of those who died.
The 23ft high Portland stone structure was dismantled and removed for repair work in December 2011. The memorial was cleaned and reworked to stop rainwater pooling on the stone and causing damage. The former brass remembrance plaques were replaced with stainless steel ones and the lists of Merchant Seamen from the Vale who lost their lives during the World Wars was updated to include those missed from the original plaques. It was rededicated on Saturday, September 29th, 2012. The service took place at 10am prior to the Merchant Navy Association's Annual Seafarers' Service.
Jim Greenway, chairman of the Barry branch of the Merchant Navy Association Wales, said: “We’re delighted that the council kept their promise to refurbish the memorial. We appreciate the council’s support." Neil Moore, Vale Council Leader, said: "Barry’s history as a port is illustrious, during peace and war, and it was the hard work and heroism of its merchant seamen that made its name. It is very fitting that they are honoured in our town."
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