“For those in peril on the Sea”
Over the centuries in both peace and war many men, women and children have died at sea. Most have no known grave or permanent memorial of their passing. The Memorial Book provides without regard to creed or nationality, a memorial to loved ones who have died at sea so tragically and, where possible, records the circumstances.
If you have a relative or friend who died in such circumstances, however long ago, and you would like to enter his or her name in the Memorial Book, please complete the entry form at the bottom of this page and send it to the Maritime Foundation. If there are any difficulties in providing the information, our historian will be pleased to help.
The Memorial Book is kept in the Mariners’ Chapel of All Hallows Church on Tower Hill near the Pool of London. This is the central church of Toc H and has long been connected with the sea.
A charge of £45 is made for placing each name in the Memorial Book. You will also be sent a hand drawn facsimile extract of the entry, suitable for mounting and framing. Any surplus arising after costs have been met will be used by the Maritime Foundation for the improvement of equipment which will reduce accidents and loss of life at sea.
A Thanksgiving Service is held each year for the families to commemorate those whose names have been entered in the Memorial Book. Each year details of the Service are announced in the press and special invitations are sent to the families and friends of those who have been entered in the Memorial Book since the last Thanksgiving Service.
“In the tradition of the Merchant Navy the names of those lost at sea in peace and in war may be entered in this book. Families, friends and colleagues can thus have a place to visit, to contemplate, to pray; a place which has a connection with their loved ones. You may in the future find this a place of pilgrimage we have all shared our grief and thanksgiving for all the good memories of our lost ones. You children will be able to come here with your friends and your own future families and say “look there’s my Dad” and remember him fondly.” Extract from an address at All Hallows by C. J. Spruyt
Entry is open to all those who have been lost from ships, boats and offshore installations, from air disasters over the sea, from beaches and have no known grave.
Reproduction example of entry:
| Title/Rank | Name | Nationality | Age | Date of Death | Circumstances |
| Captain | A.N. Other | British | 54 | 31.12.90 | Lost off the West African coast under unknown circumstances |
Memorial Book Application Form
All entries are subject to acceptance by the Memorial Book Committee. Additional covenants or donations will be gratefully received. The Maritime Foundation, a registered charity, is a sponsor of the Memorial Book. For further information, please contact the Secretary.