Exclusive: Campaign launched for a new Plymouth Hoe memorial

A retired Royal Navy Field Gunner is leading a campaign to create a permanent memorial on Plymouth Hoe celebrating one of the city's most famous naval traditions.

Barrington Sowden, on behalf of the Devonport Field Gun Association, has submitted a business case calling for Plymouth City Council to back the creation of a Royal Navy Field Gun Monument.

The proposal argues that, while Plymouth is home to nationally significant naval memorials, including the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's Plymouth Naval Memorial, there is currently no permanent monument to recognise the Royal Navy Field Gun tradition and its close links with Devonport. The business case says the memorial would honour generations of Field Gun crews while celebrating the teamwork, courage and endurance for which they became renowned.

The preferred location is Plymouth Hoe, close to existing naval monuments, including the Armada Memorial, creating what the association describes as a stronger "heritage quarter" that tells the story of the city's maritime past.

Several possible designs are suggested, ranging from a full-size bronze field gun or a restored historic gun on a stone plinth to a dramatic sculpture depicting a Field Gun crew in action. The final design would be chosen following consultation and would include interpretation panels explaining the history behind the monument.

The association estimates the project would cost between £125,000 and £245,000, with funding sought from a mix of heritage grants, naval charities, local businesses, public fundraising, and, potentially, support from Plymouth City Council. Annual maintenance costs are estimated at around £2,000.

The proposal traces the Field Gun tradition back to the Second Boer War, when Royal Navy brigades hauled heavy naval guns across difficult terrain during the relief of Ladysmith. Those events later inspired the Royal Navy Field Gun Competition, which for decades became one of the service's best-known tests of speed, strength and teamwork.

Mr Sowden says the monument would provide a permanent focal point for Armed Forces Day, Remembrance events and veterans' gatherings, while helping younger generations understand Plymouth's naval heritage through educational programmes linked to local Field Gun activities.

The business case asks Plymouth City Council to give its in-principle support and permission for the monument to be installed on the Hoe. If approved, the association believes fundraising, design and construction could be completed within two to two-and-a-half years.