Help fund the through-life cost of the Vernon Mine Warfare & Diving Monument in the former HMS Vernon at Portsmouth, Hampshire honouring those involved in mine warfare, diving and bomb & mine disposal - past, present and future.
The grand unveiling and dedication of the monument that was planned for Wednesday 25th March 2020 at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, the former site of HMS VERNON, had to be cancelled owing to the dramatically increased risk to health of the Coronavirus. However, a lower key installation and unveiling of the monument in Pool B occurred on Tuesday 17 March since when it has been seen by an annual footfall of 8 million. The monument was eventually dedicated in the presence of over 800 official guests on 15 July 2022. Read about the ceremonies and see more images of these occasions in our News section here.
Purchase your own faithful reproduction of the Vernon Mine Warfare & Diving Monument here:
Vernon Monument Pewter Statuette with the real article
Unveiling of Vernon Monument on 17 March 2020
The design created by sculptor Mark Richards FRSS comprises a moored mine with two attendant Clearance Divers. The British Mk 17 contact mine honours all those - past, present and future - involved in mine design, minelaying and mine disposal or serving in mine countermeasures vessels. The two divers in Clearance Diving Breathing Apparatus honour all those - past, present and future - involved in naval and military diving as well as bomb and mine disposal.
Vernon Monument with Old Customs House pub in background
Furthermore, the monument pays tribute to all those who worked, trained and were based at HMS VERNON over the years of its existence; fundamentally the people, civilian and uniformed, who passed through its impressive gates in the course of their duties. It will stand as a mark of respect to the heritage of this famous and unique site.
First of the Vernon Monument’s two accompanying boards
Second of the Vernon Monument’s two accompanying boards
Vernon Monument relative to Canal-side crane and Spinnaker Tower
Prince Harry (Then Commodore-in-Chief Small Ships & Diving) with serving and veteran minewarfare & diving personnel at the Project Vernon ‘Falklands 35’ fundraising dinner at Trinity House in July 2017.
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Funds raised to date…
Some of our visitors
See many more photos of visitors to our monument in our Facebook group by clicking here:
Visitors to the Vernon Monument
The Project had raised more than a quarter of a million pounds (UKP) since 2008 and almost reached its objectives. The Minewarfare & Diving Monument has been installed in its rightful place and the project team has since installed a full lighting suite to show it off at its best during the evenings but fundraising is still required to ensure through-life costs and contingencies are covered. Please continue to give generously.
