A competition to design a new memorial to mark the role Royal Navy submariners have played over the last 119 years is to be launched at BAE Systems – home to the UK’s submarine design and build capability.
The memorial is to be installed at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire next year.
School children will be encouraged to draw up plans for the tribute and could win prizes, including £1,000 for the winning design. The winner will also be invited to attend the opening of the memorial by HRH Prince William, Commodore-in-Chief Submarines.
“We’d like to encourage children from across the naval service and the UK to come up with ideas to fittingly remember those who lost their lives while serving in these iconic boats,” Cdr Tom Herman OBE RN, Hon Submarine Regimental Secretary, said.
“The Submarine Service is aiming to raise £300,000 and is looking across the submarine community among serving, retired and their families as well as the broader public, many of whom will have had friends or relations who have served in boats.”
The competition will be launched on Friday, February 28 at BAE Systems, in Barrow, where over 300 submarines have been built since 1901. BAE Systems is currently constructing the Astute and Dreadnought classes of submarine for the UK Royal Navy.
Cliff Robson, Managing Director at BAE Systems Submarines, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the launch of this campaign. We have a long and proud history of submarine design and construction and it’s fitting that we should remember the hundreds who have served aboard Barrow-built boats.”
