County of Pembroke War Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids County of Pembroke War Memorial |
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| Wales | |
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| For Men from the county of Pembrokeshire who died in the First World War | |
| Unveiled | 3 September 1921 |
| Location | 51°48′09″N 4°57′57″W / 51.802441°N 4.965921°W Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales
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| Designed by | Oswald Milne, Paul Phipps |
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Listed Building – Grade II
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| Official name | County of Pembroke War Memorial |
| Designated | 30 November 2005 |
The County of Pembroke War Memorial (Welsh: Cofeb Ryfel Sir Benfro) is a special monument in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It was built in 1921 in Haverfordwest, the main town of Pembrokeshire. This memorial helps us remember the brave men from Pembrokeshire who lost their lives in World War I. It is also a Grade II listed structure, which means it's an important historical building.
Contents
Why Was the Memorial Built?
Planning a Special Place to Remember
At first, local leaders wanted to use money to build a hospital. They also thought about putting up small plaques in town. These plaques would remember those who served and were lost in the war. Haverfordwest was chosen because it was the county's main administrative center.
A Bigger Idea for a Memorial
However, some important people, like local MP Sir Ivor Philipps, wanted something bigger. They felt the county needed a more significant way to honor the soldiers. So, they decided to create a grander memorial. A special committee was formed to decide on the best design and location. In August 1920, they finally agreed on the plans and materials.
What Does the Memorial Look Like?
Design and Construction Details
The memorial stands tall at about 16 feet (4.9 m) (around 4.9 meters). It has a strong base, called a plinth. On top of the plinth is a square column. The most striking part is the seated dragon with folded wings on the very top!
The memorial was designed by two architects, Oswald Milne and Paul Phipps. A sculptor named W. R. Morgan created the dragon. It was built using stone from the Forest of Dean. Bronze plaques were added to it. Local builders from Haverfordwest, T. Morgan & Son, constructed the memorial.
Special Messages and Names
On the front of the memorial, there is a bronze plaque. It shows the county's coat of arms. Below that, there is a powerful message. It talks about the men who left everything to serve their country. It reminds us that we should never forget their names.
On the other three sides of the memorial, you can find many names. These are the names of the soldiers it commemorates. They are listed in columns, often by their military unit. Above these plaques, you can see words like SACRIFICE, HONOUR, VICTORY, and COURAGE. The corners of the memorial also list important battle honors.
Unveiling and Moving the Memorial
A Special Day in 1921
The memorial was officially revealed on September 3, 1921. A very brave soldier, Private Hubert William ("Stokey") Lewis V.C., unveiled it. He was from the 11th Welsh. Many important people and large crowds came to witness this special event.
New Location for the Monument
In the 1970s, new roads were built in the area. Because of this, the memorial had to be moved. It is now in Picton Place, very close to County Hall. In 2005, the memorial was given a Grade II listing. This means it's recognized as an important piece of early 20th-century art and history. In 2013, the Royal Commission on Monuments put information about the memorial online.
