In Bermondsey, South London stands this statue of Able Seaman Albert McKenzie. At the age of 19 he took part in a mission to block German boats in the Belgium port of Bruges-Zeebrugge in 1918. He was one of the few from the landing party who survived the raid and the first London sailor to collect the Victoria Cross from King George V. During the raid he was wounded in the back and foot. On returning to the UK he was nominated by his fellow shipmates for the VC for his outstanding bravery in the face of the enemy.
A few weeks after receiving the award he caught flu and died of pneumonia aged 20 on 3rd November 1918 a few days before the war officially ended
The steel statue stands on a concrete plinth made from a section of the Zeebrugge harbour wall donated by the Mayor and people of Flanders.
The statue was unveiled in October 2015 in the area where he lived as a boy. Local people raised the money to honour his memory with a statue.
Very interesting statue and a great way to remember this young man and others who fought for their country.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes! I do SO agree with Mick!! A great way indeed to remember this young man!! Thank you for sharing the beauty and the history!! I hope you enjoy a beautiful new week!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful tribute to the war vets and great photos!
ReplyDeleteHappy Week to you,
artmusedog and carol
I love this statue! Very interesting story about the young man behind it.
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful and meaningful tribute in memory of this brave young man.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful statue!
ReplyDeleteWonderful set of sculptures.
ReplyDeleteInteresting statue though I'm not keen on how it is constructed. It's good he is remembered like that. Did you know he was not the only VC from that raid. His commanding officer was killed and got the VC as well https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Edward_McKenzie
ReplyDeleteI knew nothing about AS McKenzie or his amazing statue. Wonderful! Thank you so much for your latest comment, by the way - very kind!
ReplyDeleteHow sad that he survived and then succumbed to 'flu. I think he would be quite happy with the statue.
ReplyDeleteSo young and such a sad short life with lots of horror. The statue is very nice.
ReplyDeleteI also knew nothing about this young man. What a wonderful tribute. Lest we forget, indeed. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's very fitting that this week you should show us this single memorial to one service person. I watched the very moving Cenotaph service at the weekend as I always try to do. Our son-in-law has served in Iraq and Afghanistan and I do hope that we all never ever forget what these young people do.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tragic end of the life of this brave young man. Thanks for telling this story.
ReplyDeleteWil, ABCW TEAM
Must honor the vets AND remember the horror of war...eh.
ReplyDeleteWhat a story of bravery only to die of the Spanish flu. And what an interesting statue.
ReplyDeleteSad bit of history ... And even sadder that he represents so many many more young men who died in that war. And yet we do not seem to change. I remember those beautiful poppies from your ousts last year.
ReplyDeleteThe sculpture is intriguing, as is the story of the poor young man. To survive a war only to be taken down by a bug and not see the end of it is just the saddest thing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful story about one who gave all that they could give.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful, unique statue. It's nice to see one of a regular hero, not some warlike world leader...
ReplyDeleteA sad story to end a life so courageous and very young! At least his legacy lives on and a nice statue will always remind the generations after him. Thanks for visiting my post and am very glad when a blogger friend has also seen a place i've been to, this time Arrowtown. Next post is Milford Sound. I wish i can still go to other places in EU in this lifetime.
ReplyDeleteA sad story to end a life so courageous and very young! At least his legacy lives on and a nice statue will always remind the generations after him. Thanks for visiting my post and am very glad when a blogger friend has also seen a place i've been to, this time Arrowtown. Next post is Milford Sound. I wish i can still go to other places in EU in this lifetime.
ReplyDeleteA very special statue ! If only people would understand that it is better to stop the wars in the world right now instead of celebrating war ends of 100 or 70 years ago ! But I think that remains a dream !
ReplyDeleteWonderful post and story about this young brave soldier. It is a beautiful statue in his memory. Gold Bless all our veterans.
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