History

On the wall of the south cloister of Westminster Abbey is a memorial, composed of granites from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, honouring all members of the various branches of the Intelligence Services of the United Kingdom from 1909.

This includes members past and present of MI5 [Military Intelligence section 5], GCHQ  and the SIS [Secret Intelligence Service]  including those who worked in the Government Code and Cypher School during the 1939-45 war at Bletchley Park. It is signed on the under edge by the sculptor John Maine. The memorial was unveiled by The Queen and the central inscription reads:

"RECOGNISING SERVICE AT HOME AND ABROAD PROTECTING THE UNITED KINGDOM SINCE 1909"

In gold on the under edge:

"DEDICATED IN THE PRESENCE OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN ON THE 14TH OCTOBER 2009".

In the top roundel is the Royal cypher [EIIR] crowned. MI5 is inscribed under the eastern roundel, GCHQ under the lower and SIS on the western side.

At the dedication service The Queen said "Mr Dean, to celebrate the gallantry, sacrifice, and heroism of the men and women of the Intelligence Services, I place this plaque in the custody of the Dean and Chapter...". The Dean of Westminster in his dedication said "To the greater glory of God, in gratitude for the courage, determination, and heroism of the men and women of the Intelligence Services, and that their sacrifice in the safeguarding of freedom may always be honoured, I dedicate this plaque in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.Amen". The Prime Minister. Gordon Brown, gave an address.

A photo of the memorial can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library.

For 1939-45 codebreakers see www.bletchleypark.org