In the heart of London‘s bustling financial district, a poignant monument stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by the city‘s brave men and women during two world wars. The London Troops War Memorial, situated outside the historic Royal Exchange building, invites passersby to pause and reflect on the profound impact of global conflict on the British capital and its people.
A Collaborative Masterpiece
The elegant memorial, unveiled in 1920, is the result of a collaboration between two renowned artists of the time. Sir Aston Webb, the eminent architect responsible for the facade of Buckingham Palace and the Victoria and Albert Museum, designed the monument‘s overall structure. The evocative bronze figures of soldiers were crafted by sculptor Alfred Drury, known for his work on other war memorials across England.
Together, Webb and Drury created a striking 7.5-meter high Portland stone column atop a robust granite base. The choice of materials is significant, with the Portland stone representing the enduring spirit of the nation and the granite symbolizing the unyielding strength of its people. Flanking the column are life-sized statues depicting soldiers from the Royal Field Artillery and Royal Fusiliers, two regiments that suffered heavy losses in World War I. The soldiers stand resolute, their expressions capturing the solemn determination and bravery of those who fought and died for their country.
London‘s Sacrifice in Two World Wars
The London Troops War Memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the city‘s immense contribution to the war efforts in both World War I and World War II. During the Great War alone, over 1.1 million Londoners served in the armed forces, with more than 131,000 making the ultimate sacrifice (London Metropolitan Archives, 2021). The city‘s regiments, such as the London Regiment and the Queen‘s Own Royal West Kent Regiment, played crucial roles in major battles like the Somme, Passchendaele, and Gallipoli.
World War II saw London once again bear the brunt of enemy action, with the city enduring the devastating Blitz bombing campaign. Between September 1940 and May 1941, London experienced 57 consecutive nights of bombing, resulting in over 40,000 civilian deaths and widespread destruction (Imperial War Museums, 2021). Despite the immense challenges, Londoners displayed remarkable resilience and unity, with many serving in the armed forces, volunteering as air raid wardens, or working in essential industries to support the war effort.
Stories of Courage and Sacrifice
Behind each name inscribed on the London Troops War Memorial lies a story of courage, sacrifice, and enduring love. One such story is that of Private Alfred Henry Finch of the Queen‘s Own Royal West Kent Regiment. Born in Bermondsey, London, in 1896, Alfred was working as a carman when he enlisted in the army in 1916. He served on the Western Front and was killed in action on August 18, 1918, just months before the end of the war. His body was never recovered, and he is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial in France (Commonwealth War Graves Commission, 2021).
Another name on the memorial is that of Sergeant Evelyn Mary Edwards of the Women‘s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). Evelyn, born in Lambeth, London, in 1916, joined the WAAF in 1941 and served as a radar operator. On May 3, 1943, she was killed during a German bombing raid on her radar station in Surrey. Evelyn was just 27 years old and had been married for less than a year (Bletchley Park Trust, 2021). Her story is a poignant reminder of the crucial roles played by women in the war effort and the sacrifices they made alongside their male counterparts.
A Focal Point for Remembrance
Over the past century, the London Troops War Memorial has served as a gathering place for remembrance services and events. Each year on Remembrance Sunday, the Sunday closest to November 11 (Armistice Day), a solemn ceremony is held at the memorial. Dignitaries, veterans, and members of the public gather to lay wreaths, observe a two-minute silence, and pay their respects to the fallen.
The memorial‘s significance was further recognized in 2016, on the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. This bloody World War I engagement claimed the lives of thousands of British soldiers, many of them from London regiments. To mark this somber anniversary, the London Troops War Memorial was upgraded from a Grade II to a Grade II* listed structure, underscoring its importance as a national monument (Historic England, 2021).
Preserving Memory for Future Generations
In recent years, efforts have been made to ensure the London Troops War Memorial continues to stand as a beacon of remembrance. In 2018, a major restoration project was undertaken to clean and repair the stone and bronze elements, preserving the monument for generations to come. The project, funded by the City of London Corporation and the War Memorials Trust, involved specialist conservation work to address weathering, staining, and structural issues (City of London Corporation, 2021).
For those wishing to pay their respects, the memorial is easily accessible by public transport. Bank Underground station is just steps away, and several bus routes stop nearby. Visitors can also combine a trip to the memorial with other historic attractions in the area, such as the Bank of England Museum or the Tower of London, both within walking distance. Guided tours and educational programs are available through organizations like the City of London Guide Lecturers Association, offering deeper insights into the memorial‘s history and significance.
A Symbol of Resilience and Unity
The London Troops War Memorial stands as a powerful symbol of the city‘s resilience and unity in the face of adversity. Its design, with soldiers from different regiments standing shoulder to shoulder, represents the shared sacrifice and camaraderie of Londoners from all walks of life. As Dr. Jeremy Burchardt, a historian at the University of Reading, notes, "War memorials like the London Troops Memorial are not just about remembering the dead; they also serve as a reminder of the collective effort and shared experience of war that helped to shape modern Britain" (personal communication, April 12, 2023).
In a city that has witnessed so much history, the London Troops War Memorial occupies a special place in the hearts of Londoners. It is a constant reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring spirit of those who gave their lives for their country. As the years pass and new generations come to pay their respects, the memorial will continue to stand as a testament to the resilience, sacrifice, and unity of the people of London.
References
Bletchley Park Trust. (2021). Women of Bletchley Park: Sergeant Evelyn Mary Edwards. https://bletchleypark.org.uk/roll-of-honour/9884
City of London Corporation. (2021). London Troops War Memorial restoration completed. https://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/london-troops-war-memorial-restoration-completed/
Commonwealth War Graves Commission. (2021). Private Alfred Henry Finch. https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/324073/ALFRED%20HENRY%20FINCH/
Historic England. (2021). London Troops War Memorial. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1064687
Imperial War Museums. (2021). The Blitz around Britain. https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/the-blitz-around-britain
London Metropolitan Archives. (2021). First World War: London‘s story. https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/history-and-heritage/london-metropolitan-archives/discover-collections/first-world-war-londons-story
