THEY sacrificed their lives to rescue Europe in its darkest hour.

More than 500 women and men from Southampton died defeating fascism in the Second World War.

Now surviving veterans in the city are backing an appeal for residents to donate £1 each for walls of remembrance to honour their fallen comrades.

The memorial walls will be erected next to the Cenotaph in Watts Park, which bears names of the city’s 2,000 First World War heroes. They would safeguard its weather beaten names from fading and list all those from the city who have died in subsequent conflicts.

City veterans living in Ironside Court were yesterday the first to join the appeal to raise at least £70,000 after the council pledged £50,000.

Don New, 83, who served in the Merchant Navy delivering supplies to troops in the Suez, said: “It’s an excellent idea. We’ve had people serving all over the world in different conflicts who have lost their lives. It will be nice to bring them all together. I think people will really appreciate it.

“The letters on the Cenotaph are too high. These will be lower down so everyone can read them. I think the people of Southampton will support it.”

George Vaughan, 89, below, who served with the 5th Battalion of the Royal Hampshire Regiment in Africa and France, said: “We lost a lot of chaps. When you read their names the memories come back and you remember what they sacrificed.”

Daily Echo: We will remember

Ted Dixon, 84, who was on the Royal Navy aircraft carrier that received the Japanese surrender of Hong Kong, said: “It will be a fitting tribute because the Cenotaph itself was built by public donations.”

‘Part of our heritage’ Yvonne Winchombe, 79, who served as a sergeant in the Women’s Royal Air Force and lost her father from gas attacks in the First World War, said: “It’s part of our heritage that should not be forgotten.”

The Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce is calling on city firms to collect donations from their employees. Collection points for the public to donate cash will be set up across the city.

Cabinet member for leisure and heritage John Hannides proposed the idea after it became clear the council could not afford the £300,000 bill to fully restore the Cenotaph – although it would continue to maintain it. He said the proposed 1.2m by 23m walls would create an “enhanced” place of remembrance with the 1920 Cenotaph as a focal point. They will be made of matching Portland Stone and finished with an anti-graffiti coating.

Detailed designs will be drawn up for public consultation.