Day 4
Merchant Navy Memorial
Objects of Leith:
Today we turn our sights to the Merchant Navy Memorial at Malmaison Plaza and remember the many Merchant Navy Personnel who have given their lives in service, both during times of conflict and of peace.
This remembrance Sunday, the Merchant Navy Memorial in Malmaison Plaza takes centre stage, as we Remember the Merchant Navy Personnel who gave their lives and were an important part in both the First and Second world wars, and other conflicts around the world. Being a port town, with the Leith Nautical college training new recruits, many a Leither will have joined up and spent their life at sea.
The placement of the memorial near the port and directly outside Malmaison Hotel, which used to be a Sailor’s Home with room for 56 Seamen, 9 officers and 50 shipwrecked sailor’s is a fitting location.
The memorial itself is a 5 metre high column, topped with displaying miniature scenes of Merchant Navy seamen (as they were known) carrying out the tasks and duties that made up their working lives on board and off, as well as scenes demonstrating the hazards they faced, and Merchant Navy ships throughout history.
The plaque reads:
This Memorial was unveiled on the 16th November 2010
By
H.R.H. The Princess Royal
Patron
Of
The Merchant Navy Memorial Trust (Scotland)
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What stands before you commemorates the sacrifice by over 6500 British Merchant Navy personnel from Scotland in the two World Wars, all other losses in previous and subsequent theatres of conflict and in peacetime duties along the trading routes of the World.
It is a timeless tribute of remembrance to those who died in
service for the people of Great Britain.
LEST WE FORGET
“THEY THAT GOE DOWNE TO THE SEA IN SHIPPES,
THAT DOE BUSINESS IN GREAT WATERS”
On the Trinity House of Leith Psalm 107
1870
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The 182 year history of nautical education at Leith Nautical College (1855-1987),
It’s training ship “Dolphin” (1944-1977) and elements of Scottish
Maritime history are recorded for posterity.
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Sculptor Foundry Stone Mason
Jill Watson Powderhall Bronze Ltd Bob Thomson