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    © Imperial War Museums 2026

    Memorial

    Old Contemptibles, Southampton

    Old Contemptibles Association Memorial, Southampton

    Source: Copyright Henry Rothery

    1/5

    Current Location

    Crossroads of Platform Road and Central Road on the building to the right of Dock Gate 4, Admiralty House, 4, Platform Rd, Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3FU, England

    OS Grid Reference

    SU 42374 10970

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    Names listed on this memorial

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    © WMR-21610

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    Type of Memorial
    Board / Plaque / Tablet
    WMR Reference Number
    21610
    Description
    Rectangular plaque with oval shaped plaque superimposed over the top part. Dedication in relief within the oval shape and poem incised in the rectangular plaque 1914-1915 Star in relief at the top of the oval plaque and the Old Contemptibles' Association badge is at the bottom of the oval plaque
    Inscription
    TO THE GLORY OF GOD / & TO THE IMPERISHABLE / MEMORY OF THE / OLD CONTEMPTIBLES / WHO EMBARKED FROM / THESE DOCKS IN 1914 / GOD KING COUNTRY // OH LITTLE MIGHTY FORCE THAT STOOD FOR ENGLAND! / THAT, WITH YOUR BODIES FOR A LIVING SHIELD, / GUARDED HER SLOW AWAKENING. THAT DEFIED / THE SUDDEN CHALLENGE OF TREMENDOUS ODDS / AND FOUGHT THE RUSHING LEGIONS TO A STAND- / THEN STARK IN GRIM ENDURANCE HELD THE LINE. / OH LITTLE FORCE THAT IN YOUR AGONY / STOOD FAST WHILE ENGLAND GIRT HER ARMOUR ON. / HELD HIGH OUR HNOUR IN YOUR WOUNDED HANDS / CARRIED OUR HONOUR SAFE WITH BLEEDING FEET- / THE VERY SOUL OF BRIATIN KEEPS YOUR DAY! / PROCESSION? - MARCHES FORTH A RACE IN ARMS. / AND, FOR THE THUNDER OF THE CROWD'S APPLAUSE / CRASH UPON CRASH THE VOICE OF MONSTROUS GUNS, / FED BY SWEAT, SERVED BY THE LIFE OF ENGLAND, / SHOUTING YOUR BATTLE-CRY ACROSS THE WORLD / OH, LITTLE MIGHTY FORCE YOUR WAY IS OURS / THIS LAND INVIOLATE YOUR MONUMENT. / BEATRICE BRICE
    War
    First World War (1914-1918)
    Information shown
    additional

    Ceremonies

    Unveiled

    9th April 1950

    Admiral of the Fleet Sir Algernon Willis, Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth

    Dedicated

    9th April 1950

    Rev. H. Graville Williamson, Deputy Assistant Chaplain-General, Aldershot District

    Components

    Plaque

    Height: 1160MM

    Width: 620MM


    Made from: Bronze


    Condition: Good


    • Dundee Courier - Monday 10 April 1950 Admiral Greets Old Contemptibles
    • Hampshire Telegraph - Friday 14 April 1950 1914 SAILING COMMEMORATED