MEMORIAL TO COMMEMORATE THE BATTLE OF THE RIVER PLATE 1939

That this House notes that December 2014 will be the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the River Plate; observes that this was the first naval battle of the Second World War and that it was the only battle of the war to take place in South America; further notes that the battle involved three British ships, HMS Ajax, HMS Achilles and HMS Exeter; is aware that the HMS Ajax and River Plate Association are campaigning for a memorial to be erected next year at the National Memorial Arboretum in honour of the men who fought in the Battle of the River Plate; further notes that the number of surviving crew members is now in single figures; and calls on the Government to erect a memorial to recognise the bravery of those who served on HMS Ajax, HMS Achilles and HMS Exeter.