Grimsby mural honours ‘brave’ fishermen who swept mines from seas

A mural has been painted in tribute to trawlermen who helped clear mines during two world wars.

“A Tribute to Those that Swept the Seas” has been created on the side of the National Reserves club in Grimsby.

The town was a key base for minesweeping in and around the Humber estuary and many of the sailors who volunteered were fishermen in peacetime.

Steve Austin, the chairman of the club, said: “I didn’t know much about this history until I read about it. They were so brave, some of the things they did was unbelievable.”

He added: “We have a few members in here and their grandads actually served on these minesweepers.”

The mural is part of the Grimsby’s “Paint The Town Proud” initiative.

It pays tribute to those who served and died in the Royal Naval Patrol Service during World War One and World War Two.

At the heart of the painting is the trawler Lifeguard, which has close links with the club, according to organisers.

A group of artists came together to create the mural, including Justin Fancourt, Kathleen Smith and representatives from Nomad Studio, Creative Start CIC, Dogma_art and Stakes ink.

Mr Austin said revealing the artwork was an “amazing” moment.

“I love it and it really means something.”