Artists, metalworkers and sculptors are being invited to submit design ideas for a memorial honouring the crew of the town’s World War Two rescue ship – S.S. Stockport.
The call comes as Stockport Council plans to commemorate the ship and the bravery and sacrifice of its gallant 64 man crew.
The S.S. Stockport, was chartered by the Admiralty and used as a convoy rescue ship between 1941 and 1943, taking part in a number of missions.
In 1942, the crew of the S.S. Stockport saved more lives than any other vessel in service on convoy SC-10 rescuing 413 survivors from sunken ships.
The selfless nature of their job meant the crew lived on borrowed time and their final hour came on 23rd February 1943 when the ship was attacked and sunk.
The S.S. Stockport has become regarded as one of the most valiant and professional ships in the Royal Navy at the time, and its was the spirit of these brave men alone that help carry it through the turbulent waters of war, which is why the Council is seeking an artist, metalworker or sculptor to undertake a public art commission to research, design and make a permanent artwork/feature.
The War memorial/artwork will be installed in a prominent location at Knightsbridge in Stockport town centre.
Councillor Kate Butler, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration said: “The bravery and determination of the crew of the S.S. Stockport in these rescue missions astounds me. The ship and its crew put themselves in constant danger to save others and ended up paying the ultimate price, having saved countless lives.
“We want to make sure that the S.S. Stockport gets a fitting memorial, and I would like to encourage any local artist, metalworker or sculptor to submit their ideas for the memorial.”
The deadline for submissions is 3rd April 2018, if you are interested and want to find out more about the opportunity go to https://www.the-chest.org.uk/ and search for reference number DN326984
