Memorial returns to original home

A memorial commemorating more than 11,000 sailors, soldiers and marines killed during the First World War will be unveiled in London tomorrow.

The stone fountain, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, provides a focus for reunions of survivors of the Royal Naval Division, particularly on Regimental Day, tomorrow.

The ceremony will be particularly meaningful this year as the fountain has been returned to its original location, in Horse Guards Parade, after it was removed for safekeeping at the outbreak of the Second World War and later re-erected in Greenwich.

A re-dedication of the monument, attended by survivors of the division's

campaigns in the Somme and at the Gallipoli landings, will be carried out by Prince Michael of Kent at 11am.

Before the short service the Royal Marines Brass Band will play Elegy For Rupert Brooke, written by Lieutenant Commander Frederick Septimus Kelly, who was a friend of Brooke and who lost his life in 1916. The poet was one of the division's most famous members.

"It will be quite a poignant occasion," said Captain Chris Page, head of the naval historical branch of the Royal Navy, and vice-chairman of the appeal to raise £250,000 to restore the fountain. "The monument is coming home to its rightful place." The work was part financed by a donation from the Rothermere Foundation.

The Royal Naval Division was established soon after the outbreak of the First World War and commemorates the 11,500 men killed.

The memorial was dedicated on Horse Guards on 25 April 1925, the 10th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.

Lord Rothermere, Chairman of the Daily Mail and General Trust, said: "My great grandfather was one of the instigators of this memorial, as he had lost his son Vere at the battle of Ancre whilst he was serving with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

"I was delighted for the Rothermere Foundation to support this striking monument back onto Horse Guards Parade, as it was clearly designed for that position.

"That after so many years people felt it was appropriate to move the memorial to its original platform reflects on the continued recognition of the gallant and sustained contribution the men of the RNVR made to the great war."