Finchley War Memorial facts for kids
The Finchley War Memorial is a special monument in North Finchley, London. It stands in Ballards Lane, right outside the United Services Club. This memorial helps us remember the brave men and women from Finchley who gave their lives in wars, especially World War One and World War Two. It was officially revealed on November 13, 1925, and thousands of people came to see it.
What is the Finchley War Memorial?
The Finchley War Memorial is a large granite cross. It is surrounded by a fenced area. The gates of this area have the words "St Kildas" on them. This name comes from a Scottish island.
On the memorial, there is a bronze panel with carved figures. You can see a soldier in his trench uniform, with a helmet and a bayonet. On either side of him are busts (head and shoulders) of a sailor and an airman.
Above the soldier, it says: "Victory won by Sacrifice." Below him, it reads: "At the Going down of the Sun and in the Morning we will Remember them." These words remind us of the courage and loss during wartime. Behind the stone cross, there is also a flagpole.
The memorial was paid for by money donated by the public. It cost £500 to build. No names are written on the main memorial itself.
Remembering Heroes
The memorial was built to honor the one thousand men from Finchley who died in World War One. Over five thousand men from Finchley joined the armed forces during that war. The people of Finchley wanted to make sure these heroes were never forgotten.
The memorial also remembers those who died in World War Two. It continues to honor all servicemen and women who have lost their lives in conflicts up to today. It also remembers their families and friends.
Every year on Remembrance Sunday, a special service is held at the memorial. People gather for a two-minute silence. The "Last Post" is played, followed by a march past. Ballards Lane is closed for this event so that families and community members can pay their respects.
Other Memorials in Finchley
Next to the main memorial, there are two other special plaques. One is for the Finchley Metropolitan Tramway. The other is for the Hendon Garage. These plaques were moved here after the buildings where they used to hang were taken down.
There is also another original bronze plaque at the Finchley Memorial Hospital. This plaque also remembers local men who died during the First World War.
