The National Memorial Arboretum

The National Memorial Arboretum is near Alrewas, Staffordshire and is the UK's year-round Centre of Remembrance. The Arboretum contains a memorial to HMS Gambia which was donated by the HMS Gambia Association on May 7, 2005. The Association regularly visits the memorial.

National Memorial Arboretum logo

The Arboretum was the brainchild of Commander David Childs CBE who wished to see established a national focus for Remembrance. Following a meeting with Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC, an appeal was launched in 1994 by the then Prime Minister, John Major. Planting began in 1997, and it was officially opened in May 2001.

National Memorial Arboretum from the air

The HMS Gambia Association provided the funds for the HMS and HMNZS Gambia Memorial in the National Memorial Arboretum and it was dedicated on Saturday, May 7, 2005.

Dedication of the NMA HMS and HMNZS Gambia memorial. NMA HMS Gambia memorial. Image by Colin Sweett. Imperial War Museums War Memorials Register WMR-80776 NMA HMS Gambia memorial plaque NMA HMS Gambia memorial plaque HMS Gambia Association reunion at the HMS Gambia Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire on September 14, 2019 HMS Gambia Association reunion at the HMS Gambia Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire on September 14, 2019 HMS Gambia Association reunion at the HMS Gambia Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire on September 14, 2019 HMS Gambia Association reunion at the HMS Gambia Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire on September 14, 2019 HMS Gambia Association reunion at the HMS Gambia Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire on September 14, 2019


In May 2008, the Seaham Branch of the Royal British Legion, asked if they could lay a wreath and say the Exaltation at the HMS Gambia Memorial.

Permission was given, and on a Saturday morning they arrived to find the memorial covered in grass cuttings. They cleaned it up to take photographs, lay the wreath and say the exaltation, which Malcolm Summerbell (Electrical menchanic on HMS Gambia's 1957/58 Commission) says he greatly appreciated.

Malcolm took it upon himself to present the Branch with a Picture of HMS Gambia, and it now lies in a place of some prominence in their unit.

Wreath laid at the HMS Gambia memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas in 2008 by the Seaham Branch of the Royal British Legion. Wreath laid at the HMS Gambia memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas in 2008 by the Seaham Branch of the Royal British Legion.


Unfortunately, the following thumbnails are to main images that appear to have jumped ship and gone AWOL. Bill had a lot of images on his website, unfortunately all that could be retrieved from the Web Archive were the thumbnails. Until the original photographs can be found, they are simply presented here.

Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006
Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006
Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006
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Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006
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Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006
Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006
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Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006
Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006
Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006Rememberance Day, November 11, 2006
HMS Gambia Memorial, 2009HMS Gambia Memorial, 2009
HMS Gambia Memorial, 2009HMS Gambia Memorial, 2009
HMS Gambia Memorial, 2009HMS Gambia Memorial, 2009
Len contemplates the Memorial StoneLen contemplates the Memorial Stone
Len showing us all by example, and proud to show that he had cleaned the Gambia MemorialLen showing us all by example, and proud to show that he had cleaned the Gambia Memorial
Len with Garry Purdy. Garry is the son of the late William Purdy, who served with Len on Gambia on the first commission.Len with Garry Purdy. Garry is the son of the late William Purdy, who served with Len on Gambia on the first commission.