At the English Heritage store, Fort Brockhurst, Gosport [EH Ref No. 87900136]. The plaque was originally in the west wall of the nave beneath the more southerly window.
The memorial is made of metal and is in reasonable condition. It is rather dirty but remains legible.
GENERAL SIR CHARLES MENZIES K.C.B., K.H.Kt CHARLES 3RD
COLONEL OF THE ROYAL MARINE ARTILLERY AND
FORMERLY AIDE-DE-CAMP TO THE QUEEN.
DIED AUGUST 22ND 1866 AGED 83
THE ABOVE WINDOW IS GIVEN AS A MARK OF LOVE
AND RESPECT BY HIS WIDOW MARIA WILHEMIA MENZIES
Further Information
The 1873 Guide to the Church gives an account of Sir Charles Menzies achievements, as follows:-
"General Sir Charles Menzies was attached to Lord Nelson's squadron off Boulogne, where he participated in all the desperate cutting out affairs on the French Coast against Buonaparte's flotilla. Commanded a detachment of Royal Marines, and landed at Port Jackson, during an insurrection of convicts in March 1804; by his promptitude and exertions the town of Sidney, and indeed the colony, was in a great measure preserved, and tranquility restored. On 22nd June 1806, he was in one of the boats of HMS Minerva, cutting out five vessels from under Fort Finisterre, and on the 11th of July following, he was in the barge,which, when 50 miles from where the frigate lay at anchor, captured by boarding the Buena Dicha, Spanish Privateer of three times the force of the boat, after a sharp conflict; this attack was planned by General Menzies. Commanded and landed the Marines at the storming of Fort Finisterre, being the first who entered the fort. In boats cutting out the Spanish vessel of war St. Joseph from the Bay of Arosa, where he landed and made prisoner the Spanish Commodore, who delivered to him his sword. Commanded the Marines at the capture of Fort Guardia. Slightly wounded cutting out the French Corvette La Moselle from under a battery in Basque Roads. Taking of Fort Camerinus and gun-boats from under it's protection. Repeatedly engaged in severe boat actions and against batteries. Right arm amputated. Received a sword of honour from the Patriotic Fund. Commanded the Royal Marine Artillery from 1837-44. Is a Knight of Charles III of Spain, and a Knight of the Tower and Sword of Portugal, was created K.H. and K.C.B."
