This petition seeks your support for a campaign to grant protection to the sites of three Chatham based cruisers sunk during the First World War.

A hundred years ago the Chatham based cruisers HMS Cressy, HMS Hogue and HMS Aboukir were sunk off the Dutch coast, which resulted in the loss of 1,459 men. I believe as we mark the Centenary of the War, it would be a fitting tribute for the Government to designate these wrecks under the Protection of Military Remains Act.

The Leader of the House has confirmed that these three ships have been included on a list of vessels being considered for protection by the Ministry of Defence, however the list comprises over 5000 ships. I have written to the Secretary of State for Defence in order to urge him to include the Chatham based cruisers; however we need your support.

Please sign this petition in order to secure a lasting mark of respect to those men from the Medway area who lost their lives in the First World War, and to ensure that their final resting place is protected.