Imagine a ship’s bell. That bell is the centerpiece of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Trophy. This memorial stands as a testament to the brave men of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. We gather here to honor their service in the Great War.
The Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Trophy is more than just a monument. It represents the dedication and sacrifice of countless individuals. It has strong historical and cultural significance. This memorial is a Grade II listed structure. It is a well-crafted and distinctive example of war memorials. Maritime emblems are deployed here.
Captain Roberts-Wray conceived the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Trophy. Mr. JA Hale, an architect, developed the drawings. Mr. RH Hawkins served as the sculptor. Mr. Philip Roffey completed the construction. All of these men served at the Crystal Palace.
The Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Trophy was unveiled on June 6, 1931. His Highness the Prince of Wales KG did the honors. The memorial commemorates the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve officers and men. This includes 125,000 personnel. They trained at ‘HMS Victory VI’. This shore station was at the Crystal Palace from 1914 to 1918.
Sadly, the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Trophy was damaged during World War II. It was restored in 1955. Vandalism struck in the mid-1970s. In 1992, the memorial was moved. It went from its original site at HMS Victory Quarterdeck to its current location. It was restored again.
Originally, two dedicatory panels adorned the railings. One panel honored those who served in the Great War. It mentioned the 125,000 men trained at HMS Victory VI. The other panel detailed the memorial’s damage and relocation. It also commemorated all past and present members of the Royal Naval Reserve Forces. Today, these panels are missing.
The Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Trophy consists of two main parts. There is a hipped-roofed timber-framed open-sided pavilion. Inside this pavilion sits a table. On the table is a memorial ship’s bell. Two large upturned dolphins support the ship’s bell. Their tails swirl elegantly. The table features angled legs. These legs are carved to resemble rope. Once, a bronze medallion graced the front of the table. It showed a ship in full sail. Anchors flanked the medallion. A banner hung below. These elements are now gone.
The timber pavilion features a concrete platform. Square wooden posts support each corner. The roof is steeply-hipped slate. Exposed square cut rafter feet add detail. Iron bollards surround the pavilion platform. Rope links these bollards. Railings enclose the entire monument. A flowerbed surrounds it.
Despite the missing elements, the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Trophy remains a powerful symbol. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. We must remember their courage and dedication. Let us ensure their memory lives on.