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Great Yarmouth War Memorial

A solemn tribute in Great Yarmouth, honouring local service personnel and civilians lost in 20th-century conflicts with quiet dignity and enduring respect.

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Standing solemnly on Alexandra Road, Great Yarmouth’s War Memorial is a moving tribute to the town’s fallen service personnel and civilians from both World Wars and later conflicts. Dedicated in 1949 by the Bishop of Norwich, it bears the names of 619 military members and 162 civilians, serving as a place of quiet reflection and remembrance in the heart of this historic coastal town.

A brief summary to War Memorial

  • 19 Alexandra Rd, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2JP, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit around Remembrance Sunday to witness the memorial at its most poignant, when wreaths are laid and the community gathers for formal ceremonies.
  • Take a moment to read the names carefully; many belong to local families and reflect Great Yarmouth’s deep connection to the sea and national service.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the town to see other historic sites, such as the Tolhouse and the old town walls, to understand the broader context of Yarmouth’s past.
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Getting There

  • On foot from the town centre

    From Great Yarmouth’s market place or the seafront, follow the main streets towards the residential area around Alexandra Road. The walk takes about 10–15 minutes on flat, paved routes suitable for all visitors.

  • By local bus

    Several local bus routes serve stops within a 5–10 minute walk of Alexandra Road. Check current timetables for services running through the town centre and ask for stops near Alexandra Road or the nearby schools and shops.

War Memorial location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about War Memorial

A Memorial Forged in Sacrifice

Erected on Alexandra Road, Great Yarmouth’s War Memorial stands as a dignified and sombre tribute to the local men and women who lost their lives in the 20th century’s major conflicts. Unveiled on 12 November 1949 by the Bishop of Norwich, the memorial commemorates 619 service personnel and 162 civilians, their names etched in stone as a permanent record of sacrifice. It honours those who fell in the Second World War and subsequent engagements such as the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency and the Cyprus Emergency, reflecting the town’s enduring connection to Britain’s military history. The memorial’s presence is both intimate and powerful, rooted in the everyday life of the town yet set apart as a space for contemplation. Its design, typical of post-war British war memorials, is restrained and respectful, allowing the names themselves to carry the weight of memory. For generations of residents, it has been the focal point of Remembrance Sunday services and personal acts of remembrance, linking past and present through quiet reflection.

Great Yarmouth’s Wartime Story

Great Yarmouth’s history is deeply intertwined with the sea and with national defence, making the memorial especially resonant. As a significant port and fishing town, it contributed heavily to the war effort, with many of its men serving in the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy and other branches. The civilian toll recorded here reflects the reality of a coastal town exposed to air raids and wartime hardship, where homes, workplaces and families were directly affected by global conflict. During the Second World War, the town faced bombing raids and the constant threat of invasion, and its people endured blackouts, rationing and the loss of loved ones. The memorial’s inclusion of civilian names acknowledges that war’s impact extended far beyond the battlefield, touching every household. In this context, the memorial is not only a record of the dead but also a testament to the resilience and solidarity of the community that survived and rebuilt.

A Place of Reflection and Community

Today, the War Memorial continues to serve as a living part of Great Yarmouth’s civic life. On Remembrance Sunday, it is the centrepiece of formal ceremonies, with wreaths laid by local organisations, veterans’ groups and civic leaders. The laying of poppy wreaths and the sounding of the Last Post create a deeply moving atmosphere, drawing together people of all ages to honour the past. Beyond formal occasions, the memorial is also a place for quiet, personal remembrance. Visitors often pause to search for specific names, to leave small tokens of remembrance, or simply to stand in silence. Its location on a residential street ensures that it remains woven into the fabric of daily life, a constant, gentle reminder of the cost of peace. For many, it is a place to connect with family history, to reflect on the meaning of sacrifice, and to consider the value of peace in the present.

Design and Atmosphere

The memorial’s architecture is simple and dignified, designed to inspire reverence rather than grandeur. Its clean lines and carefully inscribed names create a sense of order and permanence, while the surrounding space is kept open and accessible, encouraging visitors to approach and engage. The choice of location on Alexandra Road, a quiet residential street, adds to its contemplative character, shielding it from the bustle of the seafront and town centre. The atmosphere around the memorial shifts with the seasons and the time of day. In the soft light of autumn, with poppies and wreaths adorning its base, it feels especially poignant. On clear winter mornings, the stone catches the low sun, casting long shadows that seem to echo the long shadow of war. Even on ordinary days, the memorial exerts a quiet presence, inviting passers-by to pause, remember, and reflect on the lives recorded here.

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