A major fundraising campaign is being launched to raise £250,000 for a striking new monument honouring the men and women of the Royal Navy’s Coastal Forces and the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR).
The monument, set to be unveiled in May 2027, will stand proudly just inside Victory Gate in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. It will commemorate the extraordinary bravery and innovation of the young crews who fought in small, fast attack craft during both World Wars.
The Coastal Forces Heritage Trust and Portsmouth Historic Quarter have joined forces to deliver the project, with early donations already secured. Now, they are calling on supporters, veterans, and the wider public to help bring the vision to life.
“This monument is long overdue,” said Rear Admiral Rex Cox, Chair of the Coastal Forces Heritage Trust. “Coastal Forces, the RNVR, and the WRNS made extraordinary contributions in both world wars. The design reflects their courage and ingenuity – and this campaign is our opportunity to give them the recognition they deserve.”
The monument, designed by celebrated Hampshire sculptor Amy Goodman, will feature two bronze figures poised on the bows of a motor gunboat, with a WRNS signaller alongside them. At four metres tall, it will embody the daring and teamwork that defined Coastal Forces operations.
Hannah Prowse, CEO of Portsmouth Historic Quarter, said: “As the Home port of heritage, Portsmouth Historic Quarter is the natural home for this monument. We are privileged to be the custodians of Motor Gun Boat 81 and Coastal Motor Boat 4R that allow people to experience the thrill of riding on Coastal Forces vessels. We are excited at the prospect of this interactive and inspiring monument which will help bring the stories of courage and daring to life.”
Matthew Sheldon, the CEO of the National Museum of the Royal Navy said: ‘I am delighted to support this important public monument. It will stand in the perfect position, looking across the Harbour and over to the Museum’s permanent exhibition ‘Night Hunters: The Royal Navy’s Coastal Forces at War’ at the Explosion Museum.’
The Courage of Coastal Forces
Coastal Forces earned over 3,000 bravery awards, including four Victoria Crosses – more per capita than any other branch of the Navy. They fired more torpedoes than submariners, fought in 900 actions, sank 400 enemy ships, lost 300 ships of their own, all at a terrible human cost.
Most were drawn from the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and wartime conscripts – ordinary people from all walks of life, with an average age of just 21 – who served with extraordinary courage and skill.
Campaign Launch: Monday 17 November 2025
The Coastal Forces website goes live today with information about the monument project and the stories behind it. In the coming months, the Trust team will be travelling around the coast, telling some of the untold stories of Coastal Forces to schools, Cadet Forces, sailing clubs and industry groups.
Donations to the appeal can be made via the Coastal Forces Heritage Trust, with all funds supporting the creation and installation of this powerful new tribute to the unsung heroes of the sea.
Interviews can be arranged with the sculptor Amy Goodman, the CEO of Portsmouth Historic Quarter Hannah Prowse and the Chair of CFHT Rear Admiral Rex Cox CB.
Points of contact
To schedule an interview, talk at any time about Coastal Forces, the RNVR, WRNS during the war and the Monument Project please email us at fundraising@coastal-forces.org.uk.