Press Release

7 September 2018 

First World War Silent Soldier Tribute

A series of near life-size Silent Soldier silhouettes will be unveiled across Fareham Borough to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

Fareham Borough Council will place the silhouettes at seven different locations, which all have a significant connection to the First World War, to remember those who lost their lives.

The silhouettes were purchased from the Royal British Legion and are a representation of 'Tommy' returning home silently at the end of the war.  They will remain in place from the beginning of September 2018 until the end of next year.

The Council has chosen sites for seven silhouettes but would like your help in voting for a final location for the eighth soldier, in a place which has relevance to the War.

An online Silent Soldier Survey has been set up for residents to choose between the three options:

• Daedalus: During the First World War, there was a shortage of seaplane pilots for anti-submarine patrols and it was decided a facility would be opened on the Solent. In 1917, HM Naval Seaplane Training School, Lee-on-the-Solent opened, later to be known as HMS Daedalus.
• Westbury Manor Museum: The museum will be running a series of exhibits to highlight the part played by the people of Fareham and pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the First World War.
• St Peter's Church, Titchfield: The Vicar of Titchfield, Rev. Charles Matthews, went to France in 1915 to serve as a chaplain and minister to the wounded at a base hospital. He wrote of his experiences in the St Peter's Parish Magazine.

Members of the public are also being asked to post their photos of the Silent Soldier silhouettes on the Council's social media Facebook and Twitter pages.

Cllr Seán Woodward, Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: "We want to commemorate and give thanks for those who served and hopefully people will see the soldiers and find out more about the Great War and the ultimate sacrifice that many made."

ENDS

For further information contact:

The Communications Team, Tel: 01329 824310

e-mail: publicity@fareham.gov.uk

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