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Unveiled during a public ceremony on Saturday 15th September 2025 – officially recognised as Battle of Britain Day – the striking steel bench is a powerful visual tribute to the RAF pilots who fought in one of the most crucial air campaigns of the Second World War.

Designed and fabricated by metalworker Chris Kennedy of Grantham-based Roll & Scroll, the bench was galvanized by East Anglian Galvanizing before being powder-coated. It was then hand-finished with airbrushed enamel poppies, a nod to the sacrifices made by “The Few” from July to October of 1940 – 2,945 RAF aircrew who faced the Luftwaffe.

Chris, who has worked on several war memorials and commemorative pieces, said: “When I create these benches, my aim is not only to honour the past but to make sure the tributes last well into the future. Galvanizing is essential for that as it protects the steel beneath from the coastal weather and ensures the structure can be enjoyed for decades.

“I’m incredibly proud this piece is now in place on Weymouth seafront, where locals and visitors alike can reflect on the courage of those who defended our skies 85 years ago.”

After fabrication, the bench was delivered to East Anglian Galvanizing where it underwent hot-dip galvanizing, a process which involves immersing the steel in molten zinc to create a long-lasting, corrosion-resistant coating.

Selwyn Parish, Commercial Manager at the Sawtry-based plant, added: “We’re honoured to have contributed to such a meaningful project. Galvanizing isn’t just about protection, it’s about preservation, especially when it comes to memorial pieces like this. Knowing that our work will help this tribute withstand the test of time, particularly in a challenging coastal environment, is something we’re very proud of.”

A second bench, also galvanized at the plant, is in the final stages of finishing and will be installed at a later date.

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