Chatham Naval Memorial

The Chatham Naval Memorial is a monument in Medway featuring three tall stone pillars topped with bronze crowns that stand prominently on a hill overlooking the River Medway. The site is complemented by four Portland Stone sailor figures and two pavilions that enhance the overall structure.

The memorial was constructed between 1927 and 1930 to honor over 18,000 Royal Navy personnel who died in World War I and II without marked graves. An expansion in 1952 under architect Sir Edward Maufe added sailor statues and pavilions to the site.

The stone inscriptions honor the names of naval personnel, including Victoria Cross recipients like Skipper Thomas Crisp and Major Francis John William Harvey. It serves as a place where visitors come to remember those lost at sea from both world wars.

The site remains open to visitors throughout the year and has parking available nearby. It is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission as a Grade I listed structure.

The four sailor statues were added decades after the memorial's opening, in 1952, depicting famous figures from naval history. This later addition transformed the site into one of the more detailed tributes to naval service in Britain.

Location: Medway

Operator: Commonwealth War Graves Commission

GPS coordinates: 51.38358,0.53216

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:01