War Memorial

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A war memorial in the form of a tapering stele of Portland stone against which stands a bronze figure group on a pedestal, surrounded by iron railings.

Main front faces east and has a figure group, consisting of a sailor and soldier in bronze standing on a Portland stone pedestal containing a bronze inscription plaque, attached centrally to a tapering stone stele with a frieze of lion heads, laurel wreaths, and central cartouche at the top; battered podium of granite with concrete surround bounded by low granite wall with piers at centre and extremities bearing ornamental cast iron posts linked by spiked iron chains.

Side elevations of stele both have full height name plaques in bronze recording dead in 1st World War; rear elevation with later marble plaque recording dead in 2nd World War.

The memorial stands surrounded by pavings and grass in a small park, relocated here from original position in Curran Road.

Historical information

Erected in early 1920s to memory of those locals killed in the Great War of 1914-18; also commemorates those killed in the 2nd World War 1939-45, the Korean War 1950-3, and Aden 1966. Sculptor was F.W. Pomeroy, R.A., who died in 1924. Originally located in Town Parks Ward, outside the Laharna Hotel, it was moved here in 1975 when the memorial garden was created.

References - Primary

1. Inscriptions on memorial.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

V. Authorship
Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance
X. Local Interest

Evaluation

This is an impressive example of a 1st World War memorial, in good condition, and incorporating bronze figures by one of the most important British sculptors of the time.