Plans to create a memorial for a young Norfolk sailor killed when his ship was sunk during the Falklands War have been stalled by a series of delays.
The local branch of the Royal British Legion had wanted to install a commemorative bench in Stalham, hometown of Richard Dunkerley, who died when HMS Ardent came under attack from Argentine aircraft.
The group had already raised £1,830 for the project, more than their initial target. But they are now having to raise more, after the costs increased.
The campaign to install the bench got under way in May 2022, after the Legion organised a parade and service in the town, to mark the 40th anniversary of the conflict and Dunkerley's death, at the age of 23.
After the event, members decided they wanted to create a permanent memorial, which they could install on the High Street near the junction with Dunkerley Court, which is named for the late sailor.
The following month, the Friends of Stalham and District Royal British Legion (RBL) branch ordered a 6ft stainless steel bench painted black with a red poppy from a company in Ireland.
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A total of £1,830 was raised to fund it, with the bench expected to cost £1,580, with £250 to create a hard standing pitch.
However, the original design did not comply with regulations governing benches in public places, due to safety concerns over a spike in the design, and the arrangement with the Irish company ended.
The group has now approached a local company in Happisburgh to take on the project, but the costs have risen.
Paul Dale, chair of the RBL branch, said: “Due to the cost-of-living crisis, the price of materials and manufacturing has increased so we are looking for a further £500 to obtain the paint, get it painted, and installed.”
A Just Giving crowdfunder has been launched and any extra money raised will be used for future maintenance of the bench.
Two serving members of the Royal Navy will also be completing the three peaks challenge on August 18 to help raise funds.
- Visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/davidpaul-dale to donate.
LOSS OF THE ARDENT
Richard Dunklerley was one of 22 sailors killed when HMS Ardent came under attack from the Argentine Air Force on May 21, 1982.
The frigate was lying in Falkland Sound, supporting the British landings at nearby San Carlos Water by bombarding the Argentine airstrip at Goose Green.
She was attacked by at least three waves of aircraft.
With the vessel badly damaged, her captain, Alan West - later the First Sea Lord - ordered her crew to abandon ship.
HMS Yarmouth came alongside to take off survivors and Ardent sank early the next day.
TRAGIC SAILOR
Dunkerley had grown up in Stalham and attended its junior and high schools. He used to visit Sea Palling beach regularly with his family.
After school he joined the Royal Navy, undertaking training at the HMS Ganges, the shore-based training establishment on Shotley peninsula near Ipswich.
He then joined HMS Ardent as a Cook Petty Officer First Class and, in April 1982, sailed to the Falkland Islands.
A memorial service marking 40 years since Dunkerley’s death was held at St Mary’s Church in Stalham in May 2022.
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