Memorial to honour those who have died in service since WW2

A new war memorial commemorating service personnel in South Lanarkshire who have lost their lives since WW2 is to be installed.

It will sit alongside the current cenotaph in Bothwell Road Park in Hamilton, with space to include more than 140 names including service personnel from East Kilbride.

South Lanarkshire Council came up with the proposal in response to requests from families seeking a way to formally recognise the sacrifice of those who have died since 1945, and the decision was formally approved at a meeting of the community services committee.

Extensive discussions have taken place with a number of groups and individuals to ensure that the new memorial was as inclusive as possible, whilst taking account of Forces regulations and protocols.

These included the Royal British Legion (Scotland), The War Memorial Trust, The Scottish Bereavement Benchmarking Group and the families themselves.

So far 27 names have been suggested – including Robert Peter Jim Fleeting, James Houston and Steven Murray and approved as part of the application process.

These will be inscribed on the memorial, at a formal opening and unveiling ceremony at the end of this month, where all names will be read out as part of a ‘roll of honour.’

The new cenotaph will also be included in the annual Remembrance Service in November.

Councillor Hamish Stewart, chair of the community services committee, has welcomed the move.

He added: “Sadly, we have lost many local servicemen and women who have served since the end of World War 2. Their sacrifices mean just as much to their families and communities.

“It is with great pride that I welcome this proposal which will provide a lasting memorial to those young men and women who have died in service since 1945.

“I thank all the groups and individuals who have played their part in making this happen and very much look forward to being able to pay my own respects, alongside these groups and families, at the unveiling ceremony.”

To nominate a service person from South Lanarkshire for inclusion on the new memorial, contact Bereavement Services on 0303 123 1016 for advice with the application process.