Monument MPM1884 - Hecla Boulder

Monument consisting of a boulder on a stone base with bronze tablet. The tablet states that two sailors from HMS Hecla used the boulder as cover while they kept a body of Russian Cossacks at bay in 1854 during the Crimean War. The boulder was transported to Portsmouth on the orders of Captain Hall of HMS Hecla.

Monument consisting of a boulder of hard rock on a stone base. A bronze tablet set into the base bears the following inscription:

'During the Russian War (1854) a landing party from HMS Hecla was attacked by a large body of Cossacks, and many would have fallen had it not been for the courage of two sailors who, taking cover behind this stone, kept the enemy at bay until the safety of the whole party was assured. Captain Hall had the boulder carried to his ship and transported to Portsmouth.'

The boulder was moved from Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, in 1982 and placed on a new stone clad base and plinth.

Howarth, A J, Norrish, K V, 1984, Monuments & Memorials in the City of Portsmouth (Unpublished document). SPM509.