The Suez Canal Zone Memorial
at the National Memorial Arboretum
Alrewas, Near Lichfield, Staffordshire.

In 2003 a suggestion was made by Suez Veteran Harold Heath to the committee of the Suez Veterans Association that a memorial to those who lost their lives in the Canal Zone should be built at the National Memorial Arboretum.  After much discussion Harold was given the job of submitting some designs with costs and making preliminary arrangements with the Arboretum management of the time.  Things progressed well, donations were received to increase the amount the SVA had pledged, a plot was obtained and preparation work began.  The memorial was unveiled at a dedication service held at the Arboretum on the 13th March 2004. The service was taken by Rev Arthur Clarke, himself a Suez Veteran, (Ex Corporal, Cheshire Regiment,) and about 300 Suez Vets and family members were in attendance.  Others officiating at the service were: Ron Watt, (Ex RAF Police,) John Dwyer, (Ex 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment,) Tony Rigden, (Ex RAF Signals,) and Dennis Sanders, (Ex Royal Army Veterinary Corps.)  A wreath was laid by John Davis, (Ex 16th Para Brigade,) and Jeff Malone, (Ex RAF) played the Last Post. The plot is at the corner of two walkways and consists of a pyramid shaped plinth with a narrow trench filled with blue glass chippings with sand either side to give the effect of the Canal and the surrounding desert. Four Palm trees have been planted and a seat has already been donated, this has been placed on a small grassed area.  The plot will be added to and improved when the necessary funds are available.  Thoughts for the future include a flag pole and flag. The idea of a National Memorial Arboretum came to David Childs in 1988 after visiting the Arlington Cemetery in the USA, he thought something similar should be provided in Britain to remember and honour the eighty million souls who lost their lives during the twentieth century in different wars and conflicts. His proposal was to create a living garden with memorials and plans developed further after he met with Group Captain Leonard Cheshire, VC, CH, DSO, DFC.  Eventually approximately one hundred and fifty acres of reclaimed quarry land close to the village of Alrewas, near Lichfield in Staffordshire, and adjacent to the River Thame, was generously donated by Lafarge Aggregates Ltd who were pleased to play a key role in the early development. The planting of trees and shrubs began in 1997 and the Arboretum was officially opened on the 16th May 2001. There are now well over 70 separate memorials built on the site, some large ones and others more modest.  Many Ships, Regiments, Corps, Squadrons, Units and Associations from all branches of the Armed Forces, plus civilian services and organisations are well represented.  Amongst the latest to be dedicated are the Burma Railway and National Service Memorials.  There are also a lot of trees planted by families in memory of individual persons. It is an on-going project with more memorials to be built and development work continuing. The National Memorial Arboretum is now run by the Royal British Legion and is well worth a visit.  It is situated just outside the village of Alrewas, off the A38 about eight miles below Burton on Trent. There is plenty of space for car parking at £2 per day, no entrance fee, is wheel chair friendly and has a Remembrance Garden, a Chapel, conference room, visitor centre, restaurant and gift shop. Most of a day could be spent wandering around looking at all the Arboretum has to offer in its 150 acres with approximately 150 Memorials, including the magnificent Armed Forces Memorial.

The Memorial Plinth.

In the Visitor Centre before the Service.

During the Dedication Service.

Harold Heath salutes the Memorial