THE date for the unveiling of a memorial to honour members of the Merchant Navy who lost their lives at sea in wars and conflicts has been announced.

The Weymouth, Portland and District branch of the Merchant Navy Association will unveil the memorial, which will be located on the Esplanade opposite the Pier Bandstand, on Wednesday, November 9 at 11am.

Captain Paul Compton, of the MNA, said: “Weymouth and Portland has a very long maritime history and it is only fitting that we honour the brave men and women who lost their lives at sea while serving their country and their communities.

“I cannot begin to convey just how grateful the committee is to all of those who have supported this project from the beginning, including everyone who has bought a raffle ticket or made a donation this year.

“The memorial is so close to the hearts of many in our community and I am proud to see it all coming together.”

Work will start on erecting the memorial next week, before its grand unveiling on next month at 11am.

The memorial has been carved on Portland, using Portland Stone, and the bronze fittings have been moulded in Bridport, with the railings made in Weymouth.

It will be unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell, with the mayor of Weymouth and Portland Richard Kosior and mayoress Caroline Churchill in attendance.

The Weymouth, Portland and District branch of the MNA is one of the mayor’s chosen charities for his year in office.

Mr Compton wanted to thank them both for their support.

Mr Compton said: “We are indebted to mayor Richard Kosier and mayoress Caroline Churchill for the support they have given this project. Our Mayoress has spent several days in her own time fundraising in local supermarkets so a big thank you to her and to everyone who stopped to put their change in the pot. It all help.”

All are welcome at the unveiling.

At 92, Tony Cash is one of the association’s oldest members.

He said: “It is so important that we remember the sacrifice of all those men and women who lost their lives at sea in the First World War, Second World War and other conflicts around the world. I have waited a long time for this day. It will be very moving to see the memorial on the Esplanade, a permanent reminder of their sacrifice.”

The association are still fundraising for the memorial. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so at The Globe or the Royal Oak in Weymouth or by emailing the committee on merchantnavywpd@uwclub.net