Perla Siedle Gibson

Perla Siedle Gibson was a South African soprano and artist who became internationally celebrated during the Second World War as the Lady in White, when she sang troopships in and out of Durban harbour.

The Queen visited Durban in March 1995, and viewed the statue on 24 March. The exact wording on the plinth reads: “Prior to its unveiling on August 15th 1995, this monument was placed alongside HMS “Britannia” in Durban Harbour, to be viewed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh during their State Visit to Durban on 24 March 1995.” The name of the vessel should read "HMY Britannia".

On 15 August 1995, VJ day, the statue was officially unveiled by Perla’s two surviving children Joy Liddiard and Barrie Gibson on T jetty next to the Portnet offices.