Hoylake and West Kirby War Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hoylake and West Kirby War Memorial |
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| United Kingdom | |
The war memorial on Grange Hill, West Kirby
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| For the men and women of West Kirby and Hoylake who died in World Wars I and II |
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| Unveiled | 16 December 1922 |
| Location | 53°22′31″N 3°10′31″W / 53.375327°N 3.175392°W near West Kirby, Merseyside
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| Designed by | Charles Sargeant Jagger |
The Hoylake and West Kirby War Memorial is a special monument in West Kirby, Merseyside. It's a tall, four-sided stone pillar, called an obelisk, that stands on Grange Hill. This memorial helps us remember the brave men and women from West Kirby and Hoylake who lost their lives in World War I and World War II.
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What the Memorial Looks Like
The memorial is about 14.5 metres (or about 47 feet) tall. It was designed by a famous British sculptor named Charles Sargeant Jagger. He also created another important memorial in London, the Royal Artillery Memorial.
Statues of War and Peace
On two sides of the obelisk, there are amazing bronze statues. These statues help us think about war and peace.
- On the west side, there's a statue of a woman in a long dress. She is holding a baby, a wreath of poppies (flowers that remind us of soldiers), and broken chains. This statue represents peace and freedom.
- On the east side, there's a statue of a British soldier. He is dressed for winter and looks like he is standing guard. He has his rifle ready, a gas mask, and a water bottle. There's even a German helmet at his feet. This statue reminds us of the soldiers who fought.
Important Words on the Memorial
Around the bottom of the memorial, there are special messages carved into the stone. These words help us understand why the memorial was built.
One message says:
AT THE CALL OF KING AND COUNTRY THEY LEFT ALL THAT WAS DEAR TO THEM, ENDURED HARDNESS, FACED DANGER AND FINALLY PASSED OUT OF THE SIGHT OF MEN BY THE PATH OF DUTY AND SELF SACRIFICE, GIVING UP THEIR OWN LIVES THAT OTHERS MIGHT LIVE IN FREEDOM. LET THOSE WHO COME AFTER SEE TO IT/THAT THEIR NAMES BE NOT FORGOTTEN.
This means that the people remembered here left their homes and families to fight for their country. They faced many difficulties and dangers, giving their lives so that others could live freely. It also asks us to make sure their names are never forgotten.
Another message says:
IN GRATITUDE TO GOD AND TO THE MEN AND WOMEN FROM THESE PARTS WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR 1914–1919 – 1939–1945. THEY WERE A WALL UNTO US BOTH BY NIGHT AND DAY.
This message shows thanks to God and to the men and women from West Kirby and Hoylake who died in World War I (1914–1919) and World War II (1939–1945). It says they protected everyone, like a strong wall.
History of the Memorial
The Hoylake and West Kirby War Memorial was officially revealed on December 16, 1922. A very important person, the Earl of Birkenhead, unveiled it. About 5,000 people came to the ceremony. Today, the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral takes care of the memorial.
Connection to Australia
Interestingly, a copy of the soldier statue from this memorial is also part of another memorial far away. It's called the "Drivers and Wipers" Memorial and is located at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia.
