The earliest proposal for the construction of a permanent memorial to former Mercury boys who made the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War was made during the summer of 1915. However, the Clock Tower Memorial (see right) with a gun metal plate containing forty-six names was not dedicated until 1922. Some years after the Second World War a plate containing the names of Mercury boys who lost their lives in that conflict was added to the Memorial.
After the school closed in 1968 the First World War plate was transferred to Hamble Churchyard but the Second World War plate disappeared. As a result, a new Second World War plate, containing thirty-seven names, was commissioned by the Mercury Old Boys’ Association and dedicated in Hamble Churchyard in 1995. This memorial was replaced in 2015 with many errors and omissions corrected (see below). For details of the boys who died during the two world wars please see the Rolls of Honour for World War I or World War II.
In the Hamble churchyard near the entrance (on the left) can be found the Mercury War Memorial This was dedicated in September 2015 and replaced the previous memorial which had errors and omissions. For details of those who are listed on this memorial please see the World War I Roll of Honour or the World War II Roll of Honour.
The churchyard also contains the graves of two Mercury Boys who died at the school (2339, Frank Ezra and 2775, Richard Greene) as well as a long serving member of staff, James ‘Bandy’ McGavin who died in 1939 after 40 years service.
The most obvious reminder of the school for visitors to the former site of TS Mercury will be the street names that have been assigned to the housing estate that now exists there. Such names as Mercury Gardens, Mercury View, Fry Close and St Agatha’s Close. However, down by the old slipway (which still exists) visitors will find various memorials and reminders of the school. Perhaps most obvious will be the Mercury Memorial Plinth erected by the Mercury Old Boys Association in 1985 (and recently refurbished). Nearby is a seat for local residents (also provided by the MOBA) and a tree planted in memory of Mercury staff. Finally, at this site can be found a display panel to which the MOBA contributed. All these are maintained by either the MOBA or Hamble Parish Council. The local residents also keep a watchful eye on their state of health.