New Mural Funded by ABP Southampton Celebrates History and Capabilities of 17 Port and Maritime Regiment

New Mural Funded by ABP Southampton Celebrates History and Capabilities of 17 Port and Maritime Regiment

(IN BRIEF) ABP Southampton has funded a new mural at the 17 Port and Maritime Regiment’s Junior Soldiers’ Dining Facility, honouring the history and achievements of Army Maritime operations. Spanning three walls, the artwork depicts the Regiment’s involvement in major campaigns such as D-Day, the Falklands Conflict, and both Gulf Wars, as well as showcasing current capabilities including Mexeflote platforms, military cargo ships, and diving operations. The mural also enhances the setting for the Regiment’s monthly veterans’ breakfast, which attracts former service members from across the country. Both ABP and Regiment leaders hailed the project as a meaningful symbol of their close collaboration and shared commitment to preserving military maritime heritage.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 14-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Associated British Ports (ABP) Southampton has contributed to the creation of a striking new mural in the Junior Soldiers’ Dining Facility at the 17 Port and Maritime Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps. The artwork spans three walls and vividly depicts the rich yet often under-recognised history of Army Maritime operations, honouring the legacy of the Regiment and its predecessors.

The mural pays tribute to the Regiment’s role in key military campaigns, including Operation Overlord during D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, the Falklands Conflict (Operation Corporate), and both Gulf Wars (Operations Granby and Telic). The final section focuses on the Regiment’s current capabilities, such as the Mexeflote landing platform, military cargo vessels, and specialist diving operations—bringing the story from its historical roots to the present day.

Beyond its historical significance, the mural also serves as a powerful focal point for the Regiment’s monthly veterans’ breakfast, a popular event drawing former service members from across the UK to share experiences and reconnect within a space now enriched by this visual tribute to their shared heritage.

Richard Parkinson, Port Director at ABP Solent Gateway, commented: “We are extremely proud to support the British Army and work closely with the Ministry of Defence through our operations at Marchwood Military Port and beyond. Contributing to this mural is a small token of our appreciation for the vital role the 17 Port and Maritime Regiment plays both locally and globally. It’s a visual tribute to their past and present achievements.”

Lieutenant Colonel Tom Goodall, Commanding Officer, added: “The Regiment is humbled by the very kind donation from ABP; their generosity has made this incredible dedication to Army Maritime possible. With ABP and 17 Port and Maritime Regiment working so closely together at the Sea Mounting Centre, it is very poignant for them to help capture such significant events in the Regiment’s past, as we look together to the future.”

The project reflects ABP’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and celebrating the enduring contribution of military maritime operations to both national defence and local heritage.

Media contact:

Nicola Denbigh
Corporate Affairs Manager
nicola.denbigh@abports.co.uk
07771 888105

SOURCE: Associated British Ports