The West Africa Squadron, based in Portsmouth in 19th century, freed 150,000 Africans destined for slavery during the period 1807-1867 at a cost of the lives of 1,586 Royal Navy sailors.
As yet there is no specific monument to this squadron or indeed to the role Britain took in the abolishment of slavery and the work of the Royal Navy in implementing the law banning slavery.
The West Africa Squadron are now launching a fund raising campaign to design and produce a lasting memorial in Portsmouth.
Check out their web site that tells the full story www.westafricasquadron.org