A MONMOUTH museum is hoping to raise £2,000 to conserve a silk flag from the First World War which has been damaged from wear and tear.

The flag, which commemorates the sinking of HMS Monmouth in 1914, has had to be kept in a glass frame away from the public because of its delicate nature.

But now curators at the Nelson Museum and Local History Centre in Monmouth are hoping to clean the flag, stabilise the splits and cracks in the silk and remount and reframe it.

Records at the museum reveal the flag was produced in memory of a Scottish midshipman who died during the HMS Monmouth’s sinking at a battle off the coast of Chile.

The Battle of Coronel, on 1 November 1914, saw German forces defeat a Royal Navy squadron.

Now the Monmouth museum, who received the flag as a gift, want to share the piece of history with the residents of Gwent.

Sue Miles, Senior Custodian at the museum, in Market Hall on Priory Street in Monmouth said: “If we can raise enough funds to have it conserved, it can be displayed properly in the museum.

“We would be able to let the flag be used at other commemorative events in the town over the next 4 years which would be wonderful!”

The museum plans to use the flag in its own commemorations for the sunk ship and is calling on the community to help with further research about the sailors lost in the battle.

Monmouth’s museum houses personalia, art, manuscripts and equipment relating to Horatio Nelson, which was bequeathed by Lady Llangattock in 1924.

The flag, which measures 1 metre by 1.3 metre, is made of woven silk and embroidered with silk and metal-wrapped threads, with a Union Jack design in one corner.

Ms Miles thanked the Royal Naval Association who has already given the museum a “very generous” donation towards the project, but said more is still needed.

If you would like to make a contribution towards this fundraising appeal please contact the Museums Fundraising Officer on 01291 625981 or email supportmuseums@monmouthshire.gov.uk.