- Type of Memorial
- Composite
- WMR Reference Number
- 80775
- Description
- An oak tree. Alongside is a rough-shaped boulder on which a rectangular blue metal plaque is affixed. The plaque bears the insignia of HMS Formidable and an inscription in white lettering, including battle honours. The plaque also includes a depiction of the Victoria Cross and the name of a posthumous recipient.
- Inscription
- H.M.S. FORMIDABLE/ THE SIXTH ROYAL NAVY SHIP OF THE NAME/
DISTINGUISHING PENNANTS 67 PORTSMOUTH MANNED/ AN AIRCRAFT CARRIER OF THE 1936-1937 "ILLUSTRIOUS" CLASS/ BUILDERS HARLAND AND WOLFF, BELFATS. SHIP NO. 1007/ LAID DOWN 17.06.1937 LAUNCHED 17.08.1939/ DISPLACEMENT (1945) 30,000 TONS LENGTH 749 FEET O.A./ S.H.P. 121,000 COMPLEMENT (1945) 2,200/ COMMISSIONED 24.11.1940 PAID OFF 12.08.1947 BROKEN UP 1953/ ADOPTED BY THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, WARSHIP WEEK 1942/
[Left-hand Column]:
BATTLE HONOURS/
(USHANT 1778), (THE SAINTS 1782)/1ST COMMISSION 24.11.1940/MATAPAN 1941, CRETE 1941/MEDITERRANEAN 1941/NORTH AFRICA 1942-1943/SICILY 1943, SALERNO 1943/2ND COMMISSION 16.05.1944/NORWAY 1944, OKINAWA 1945/JAPAN 1945/
[Insignia]
[Right-hand column]:
SEVERAL TIMES FLAGSHIP/MANY DECORATIONS, MEDALS/AND MENTIONS IN DESPATCHES/WERE AWARDED TO/THE SHIP'S COMPANY AND SQUADRONS./
[Victoria Cross Medal engraving]/
THE VICTORIA CROSS/WAS POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED TO/LIEUTENANT R.H. GRAY,/VC, DSC, RCNVR OF 1841 SQUADRON,/ AUGUST 1945/
THIS OAK TREE COMMEMORATES IN TRIBUTE/ ALL WHO SERVED IN AND FLEW FROM THIS GREAT SHIP./ PLANTED BY THE H.M.S. FORMIDABLE ASSOCIATION,/ 22.09.2001/ FOR YOUR TOMORROW WE GAVE OUR TODAY