Royal Navy memorial tree unveiled at dockyard

A close up of the metal leaves and branches on the tree. One reads: 'Dad Papa PO(S) Michael A Bridges Love you lots xxx'.
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The Heart of Oak Memory Tree recognises "individual service and sacrifice"

  • Published

A steel tree made up of leaves engraved with the names of people who were part of the Royal Navy community has been unveiled.

The Heart of Oak Memory Tree was installed at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to recognise "individual service and sacrifice", the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) said.

Named after the official march of the Royal Navy, external, the tree was built by BAE Systems and installed by KBS Maritime.

Sam Nicolson, interim CEO for the charity, called it a "collaboration rooted in gratitude and remembrance".

The tree has removable metal leaves, each with the name of someone chosen by family and friends.

Speaking at the ceremony Ms Nicolson told the BBC the tree was "a shared effort to recognise and remember individuals who have contributed to the Royal Navy family and service".

"Over time now it will find its own character, and it will develop both in terms of rusting and changing, and that's quite exciting to be able to see and keep visiting to see who is remembered," she said.

A crowd stands in front of the tree on the dockyard, including Navy personnel.
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The tree has been installed at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Malcolm Farrow, a former naval officer, has leaves dedicated to his father and uncle.

He said: "They both served through the Second World War and did extraordinary things all over the world, and so I can come here and look at that and see it, and I'll point it out to people if I come with anyone else."

Mark Rogers said another leaf was dedicated to the memory of his brother Dean.

"He did his service and after leaving was one of the first ones to go out and try and raise money for the charity to benefit all, not only the Royal Marines but the Royal Navy, their families, their dependents," he explained.

Another close up, looking through the tree and seeing the crowd gathered beyond.
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The tree is named after the official march of the Royal Navy and was built by BAE Systems

Apprentice engineer Leah Carter said: "I don't think you can really put into words how amazing a project like this is, especially when it all comes together.

"Me personally, I've seen it just as a sheet of metal, and now it's looking like this today... it really is incredible."

Alice has long light brown hair and wears a suit jacket and pink shawl. Malcolm has white/grey hair and wears a smart blue suit. The tree is in the background.
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Alice and Malcolm Farrow have family members memorialised on the tree

The Heart of Oak Memory Tree is crafted from Royal Navy ships' steel and is situated near HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum, and close to the working Royal Naval Dockyard.

Dedications on the tree can be made via a donation to RNRMC, which raises funds for serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

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