On Monday, the Morn Hill Memorial was unveiled by HRH The Duke of Gloucester as part of the annual Flag Raising Ceremony in the courtyard of The Great Hall in Winchester.

With me by the new memorial are: Simon Smith the sculptor (in cream suit) is pictured here with Fiona Whitehouse, volunteer on the project, Colin Cook ,a Winchester blue badge guide and Mr Vickers-who was born in one of the camp huts in 1920.

The cover which hid the memorial was made (and uncovered) by students and staff at Peter Symonds college, supported by their teachers Mark Jones and Beki Vale. It was fitting that the cover was raised by students, average age 17, which is the average age of young people who died fighting in the 14-18 war.

Brig David Harrison (ret’d) gave the address to explain the role of Winchester in the story and the Duke came into the Great Hall to view the exhibition and to meet the Project Team and many of the key volunteer team, including Tony Dowland who originally asked me for ‘something to be done to commemorate the camp’!

Simon Smith’s brief was not to create a standard memorial, but something to represent those who had passed through the camp. The memorial sensitively shows the kit as if it has been left on the seat- but where is the soldier now?
Now, with interpretation boards on site, and the splendid and reflective stone memorial seat in the courtyard, the Promise has been honoured.

The whole project has been inspirational to young people and we have had really practical support from children from All Saints & Itchen Abbas primary and Kings’ secondary schools, and students at Peter Symonds and the University of Winchester.
Thanks to all those who have been involved- please see www.tohonourapromise.co.uk for events at the Great Hall during the exhibition which lasts until the 18th July.