Welsh National War Memorial facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Welsh National War Memorial
Cardiff Council
For Welsh soldiers who fought in World War I and World War II
Established	12 June 1928
Location	near  Cardiff city centre
Designed by	Sir Ninian Comper
Outer frieze I FEIBION CYMRU A RODDES EU BYWYD DROS EU GWLAD YN RHYFEL MCMXIV–MCMXVIII (To the sons of Wales who gave their lives for their country in the war of 1914–1918) Inner frieze REMEMBER HERE IN PEACE THOSE WHO IN TUMULT OF WAR BY SEA, ON LAND, IN AIR, FOR US AND FOR OUR VICTORY ENDURETH UNTO DEATH Above figures IN HOC SIGNO VINCES

The Welsh National War Memorial (Welsh: Cofeb ryfel Cenedlaethol Cymru) is a special place in Cardiff, Wales. It stands in Alexandra Gardens, which is part of Cathays Park. This memorial was built to remember the brave Welsh soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War. Later, in 1949, a special plaque was added to also honor those who died in the Second World War.

Why Was the Memorial Built?

After the terrible First World War ended in 1918, people in Wales wanted a way to remember the many soldiers who had died. They wanted a place where families and friends could go to think about their loved ones and honor their sacrifice. So, the idea for a national war memorial was born. It was a way for the whole country to say "thank you" and "we will never forget."

Designing the Memorial

The job of designing this important memorial went to a talented architect named Sir Ninian Comper. He was known for his beautiful and meaningful designs. Sir Ninian Comper created a memorial that would stand tall and inspire people for many years to come. His design includes a central stone column and several figures around it, each with a special meaning.

What Does the Memorial Look Like?

The Welsh National War Memorial is a large and impressive structure. It has a tall, central stone column that reaches towards the sky. Around this column, there are several bronze figures. These figures represent different parts of life and war, like soldiers, sailors, and airmen. They also show ideas like peace and victory.

There are also special words carved into the memorial. These words are called inscriptions.

• The outer inscription is in Welsh and English. It says: "To the sons of Wales who gave their lives for their country in the war of 1914–1918." This reminds everyone of the brave people from Wales who fought in the First World War.
• The inner inscription is also very powerful. It says: "Remember here in peace those who in tumult of war by sea, on land, in air, for us and for our victory endureth unto death." This means we should peacefully remember those who fought and died in the chaos of war, whether on land, at sea, or in the air, so that we could have victory and peace.
• Above some of the figures, you can see the Latin phrase "IN HOC SIGNO VINCES". This means "In this sign, you will conquer."

When Was It Opened?

The Welsh National War Memorial was officially opened on 12 June 1928. Many people gathered for the ceremony to see this important new landmark. It became a place for remembrance and reflection for people across Wales.

Remembering World War II

After the Second World War ended in 1945, it was decided that the memorial should also honor those who died in that conflict. So, in 1949, a special plaque was added to the memorial. This ensured that all Welsh servicemen and women who gave their lives in both major wars would be remembered at this one important site.

Images for kids

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  Victory on top the central stone pylon