South African War Memorial, Cardiff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South African War Memorial |
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Boer War Memorial
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| Cardiff Council | |
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| For Welsh soldiers who fought in the Second Boer War | |
| Established | 1908 |
| Unveiled | 20 November 1909 |
| Location | near |
| Designed by | Albert Toft |
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TO THE MEMORY
OF THE WELSHMEN WHO FELL IN SOUTH AFRICA 1899–1902 ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION Then a list of 817 names with the rank, regiment, forename, manner of death and decorations. |
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Listed Building – Grade II
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| Official name | South African War Memorial |
| Designated | 25 January 1966 |
| Reference no. | 13745 (Cadw) |
The South African War Memorial, also known as the Boer War Memorial, is a special monument in Cardiff, Wales. It was built to remember the Welsh soldiers who fought in the Second Boer War. This war happened between 1899 and 1902 in South Africa. The memorial was finished in 1908 and officially shown to the public on November 20, 1909, by General Sir John French. It is a very important building, listed as a Grade II* structure, which means it's a historic place that needs to be protected.
What the Memorial Looks Like
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The memorial was created by a talented English artist named Albert Toft. You can find it in Cathays Park, a beautiful area in Cardiff. It stands at the end of Edward VII Avenue, right between the Cardiff Crown Court and City Hall.
The main part of the memorial is a bronze statue of a winged figure. This figure represents peace and holds an olive branch. It stands on a round shape, which is placed on a stone base made of Portland Stone, with granite steps leading up to it. At each corner of the memorial, there are metal lampstands with glass globes.
There are also two other important figures on the memorial:
- On the left side (facing the main writing), there is a seated male figure. This figure shows war and courage. He holds a sword and leans on a shield.
- On the right side, there is a seated female figure. She represents grief or sadness. She holds a wreath and also leans on a shield.
The entire memorial is dedicated to all the "Welshmen" who served in different groups during the Second Boer War.
Messages on the Memorial
The memorial has special messages carved into its stone. These messages help us remember why the memorial was built. The main message says:
TO THE MEMORY OF THE WELSHMEN WHO FELL IN SOUTH AFRICA 1899–1902 ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION
Below this main message, there is a long list of 817 names. Each name includes the soldier's rank, which army group they belonged to, their first name, how they died, and any special awards they received. This helps us remember each person who gave their life.
Images for kids
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A close-up of the inscriptions.
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Another view of the names listed.
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Details of the carved text.
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The names of soldiers on the memorial.
