The memorial will be crafted from Portland stone

The stone structure would be built at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, to recognise sacrifices made in many circumstances.

The design is being unveiled at the Imperial War Museum on Wednesday, and a �4m appeal is also being launched.

Most British servicemen and woman who have died since 1945 have no memorial.

The organisers say the new national tribute would be unique in recognising service members killed on duty, but not during specific conflicts.

Training accidents

Members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Merchant Navy who died in conflict zones in direct support of the Armed Forces will also be included.

The cost of the Portland stone structure, which it is hoped can be built by next year, must be met by donations from the public.

The memorial, which has been designed by architect Liam O'Connor, is to be engraved with the name of each of the 16,000 dead.

Space will also be provided for thousands of other names to be added.

Vice Admiral Sir John Dunt, chairman of the Armed Forces Memorial Trust, said there was a real need for the structure.

"The Armed Forces Memorial will not only recognise those killed in conflict, it will also commemorate servicemen and women killed in many different circumstances, for example while on exercise, during operations, on peacekeeping duties or as a result of training accidents."

People wishing to donate can log on to www.forcesmemorial.org.uk, or send a cheque to The Armed Forces Memorial Appeal, First Floor, Zone A, St George's Court, 2-12 Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SH.