The 40th anniversary of the Falklands War served as a powerful reminder of the profound sacrifices made by British service personnel. Here at Memorial Benches UK, we were privileged to be commissioned for a project that brought a deeply personal piece of remembrance back to the local community.
We were tasked with creating an exquisite, engraved memorial bench dedicated to John Stroud, a sailor from Bolton who was killed at the age of 20 aboard HMS Glamorgan in a missile attack just days before the war ended.
This was no ordinary order; the bench was the centrepiece of a heartfelt surprise organised by local firefighter Stacey Jeffries, who wanted to create a lasting, local tribute for John’s widow, Jean Stroud-Mort. This effort perfectly embodies our core belief, In the Face of Deep Loss, Find Comfort and Peace- A Lasting Tribute, Crafted with Care and Compassion.
A Community’s Enduring Honour
John Stroud was the only Boltonian to lose his life during the Falklands War. While an official memorial exists thousands of miles away in the Falklands, the need for a local place of reflection was paramount.
The surprise unveiling in the local churchyard at Dunscar, Bolton, was captured by ITV News and showed Jean Stroud-Mort’s overwhelmingly emotional reaction. Her words speak volumes about the power of a tangible, local memorial;
"I can't express my feelings... People have done this for him to keep his memory going after I'm long gone. People will be able to say 'yeah, that's John Stroud's bench. He was killed in the Falklands.' They are never going to forget him."
The Memorial Benches UK Difference
To fulfil this significant commission, our team ensured the memorial bench was crafted to the highest standards, designed not only for beauty but for decades of resilience. The personalised engraving provides a clear, permanent statement of John's honour and sacrifice.
By supplying a durable, high quality seat, we have provided a permanent space where Jean, her son and the entire community can feel close to John, honouring the courage of the Royal Navy crew and the lasting tribute made by a grateful town.
We are incredibly proud that our craftsmanship provides the backdrop for such a touching story of national heroism, community spirit, and enduring love.
Read the original ITV News story about the emotional unveiling here: Widow of Falklands sailor overwhelmed after surprise memorial unveiled