61st Battery Royal Field Artillery Boer War Memorial facts for kids
The memorial in August 2015
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| Coordinates | 51°29′03″N 0°03′45″E / 51.48416°N 0.06241°E |
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| Location | Woolwich, London |
The Boer War Memorial in Woolwich stands proudly on Grand Depot Road in Woolwich, London. It is located right across from the historic Royal Artillery Barracks. This special monument remembers 18 brave soldiers from the 61st Battery Royal Field Artillery. They sadly lost their lives during the Second Boer War.
The memorial itself is a tall, slender structure made of pink granite. It looks like a pointed pillar, called an obelisk. This obelisk stands on a square base, which rests on three steps. It's a quiet reminder of an important time in history.
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What is the Woolwich Boer War Memorial?
The Woolwich Boer War Memorial is a monument built to honor soldiers. It specifically remembers those from the 61st Battery Royal Field Artillery. These soldiers died during the Second Boer War. The memorial helps us remember their sacrifice.
It is made of pink granite, a strong and beautiful stone. The main part is a tall, thin obelisk. This shape has been used for monuments for thousands of years. It sits on a sturdy square base with three steps leading up to it.
Why Was the Memorial Built?
The memorial was created to honor the 18 soldiers who died. They were part of the 61st Battery Royal Field Artillery. This group fought in the Second Boer War. The war took place far away in South Africa.
Monuments like this help communities remember important events. They also honor the people who were part of those events. It's a way to keep their memory alive for future generations.
Where is the Memorial Located?
You can find the memorial in Woolwich, a part of London. It is on Grand Depot Road. Its location is very meaningful. It stands directly opposite the Royal Artillery Barracks.
The Royal Artillery Barracks is a historic military site. Placing the memorial there connects it directly to the military history of the area. It makes it easy for people to visit and reflect.
The Second Boer War: A Brief History
The Second Boer War was a conflict that happened between 1899 and 1902. It was fought in South Africa. The main groups involved were the British Empire and two independent Boer states. These states were the South African Republic and the Orange Free State.
The Boers were descendants of Dutch settlers in South Africa. The war was about control over land and resources, especially gold and diamonds. It was a very difficult and long war.
What Was the Royal Field Artillery's Role?
The Royal Field Artillery was a part of the British Army. They were responsible for using cannons and other large guns. These weapons were very important in battles during the war.
The 61st Battery was one specific unit within the Royal Field Artillery. They played their part in the fighting. The memorial in Woolwich specifically remembers the soldiers from this unit who died.
The Memorial's Importance and Status
The Woolwich Boer War Memorial is more than just a stone structure. It is an important piece of history. It helps us understand the past and remember those who served.
Since 1973, the memorial has been given a special status. It is a Grade II listed monument. This means it is protected by law.
What Does Grade II Listed Mean?
Being "Grade II listed" means a building or monument is considered very important. It has special historical or architectural value. This status is given by the National Heritage List for England.
When something is Grade II listed, it means it needs to be preserved. Any changes to it must be carefully planned and approved. This ensures it remains safe for many years to come.
Images for kids
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The memorial in August 2015
