Lowestoft: Memorial honours Guava crew lost at sea during 1953 floods

The bravery and heroism of 11 men who headed to sea on the Lowestoft trawler Guava 70-years-ago - but never returned home - has been honoured.

The Guava memorial plaque (Image: Mick Howes)

During the tragic events of January 31, 1953, Guava was caught up in one of the worst disasters that would hit coastal communities across the region.

As the wooden trawler left port with 11 men aboard and was sailing to the Dogger Bank area, the vessel was lost at sea in the great storm.

Guava (Image: Malcolm White Collection)

On Tuesday - the 70th anniversary of the 1953 floods - a special service was held towards the seaward end of the South Pier in Lowestoft.

The Guava memorial plaque unveiling (Image: Mick Howes)

The special commemoration event saw a large number of people - including surviving family members of the crew - gather to pay their respects.

The new memorial plaque, commissioned by Lowestoft Town Council, was unveiled after a ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the North Sea floods.

A Lowestoft town council spokesman said: "The plaque remembers by name the 11 crew members who lost their lives on the night of January 31/February 1 with nine of the crew coming from Lowestoft, one from Gorleston and one from Great Yarmouth."

The crew lost were skipper George (Tash) Fisher aged 41, Mate Roy Dann (32), Chief Engineer Henry Taylor (38), Deckhand George Turner (58), Deckhand Edward Sizer (38), Arthur (Lordy) Howe (58), Robert Girling (45), Louis George Chapman (42) and deckhand learner Anthony James Folkard (16 and on his first trip), all of Lowestoft, and G H Stone (34) of Gorleston and Cook J H Vince (40) of Great Yarmouth.

After the mayor of Lowestoft, Alan Green, welcomed everyone for attending the ceremony and thanked all for their involvement.

Lowestoft town councillor Andy Pearce recounted much of the tragic events of 70-years ago as those attending - including "family and friends" remembered and mourned the 11-man crew aboard Guava.

He listed their names before concluding: "Rest in peace gentlemen."

A 'fitting tribute'

Mr Gurney, son in law of George Fisher, at the unveiling (Image: Mick Howes)

The son-in-law of George Fisher - Mr Gurney - and the granddaughter of George Turner - Mrs Summers - spoke poignantly about their relatives, while thanking those involved in the commemoration.

Mrs Summers said: "My grandad was a hero.

Mrs Summers at the Guava plaque unveiling (Image: Mick Howes)

"He was a much loved family man who went to sea to support us, to put food on all our tables.

"George William Turner - remember his name, remember everyone's name as they should never be forgotten."

Speeches from Keith Mayall, Rev Damon Rogers and Amanda Wisher from the Fishermen's Mission followed.

Keith Mayall (Image: Mick Howes)

Mr Mayall said it was "a fitting tribute to the brave crew" while Rev Rogers added: "Remember these 11 men and what they meant to family and friends and this town."

Amanda Wisher, Fishermen's Mission (Image: Mick Howes)

Mrs Wisher added: "The men lost on Guava, they were loved and are missed.

"We remember and honour them and all those lost 70 years ago."

• The Jack Rose Old Lowestoft Society has organised a free exhibition entitled 'Lowestoft Remembers the 1953 flood - a 70th anniversary commemoration' - which runs at The Grit Arts and Heritage Centre in Old Nelson Street, Lowestoft until this Friday, February 3.