War Memorials Trust Assembly Threats to war memorials
War memorials Definition of a war memorial A war memorial is ‘any physical object created, erected or installed to commemorate those involved in or affected by conflict or war.’ This includes memorials to civilians and animals. Broad Chalke, Wiltshire (WM2066) © Broad Chalke Parish Council, 2007
Importance of war memorials ‘The Response,’ Tyne and Wear (WM2012) © War Memorials Trust, Pembroke Dock, Dyfed (WM34) © Ceri Jones, Walton on Thames, Surrey (WM805) © IWM’s Farthing Collection.
Importance of war memorials War memorials are a reminder of these conflicts for future generations like you and give us information. Children visiting a war memorial © Hillcrest Infant and Nursery School, 2011.
War memorial damage Carshalton, Greater London (WM1595) Metal plaques listed the names of over 200 men killed in the First World War. The plaques were stolen in Cases like this often due to rising cost of scrap metal. Carshalton, Greater London (WM1595) © War Memorials Trust, 2011.
War memorial damage Hertford, Hertfordshire (WM1272) The paving around this memorial was damaged by skateboarders. Other war memorials have also been damaged through inappropriate use. Hertford, Hertfordshire (WM1272) © Brian Wingate, 2011.
Other problems
What can you do? Keep an eye on your local war memorial and report any problems to the custodian. Research the war memorial and tell people what you find out. Support In Memoriam Secondary school pupil applying SmartWater to a war memorial © Duncan Soar Photography, 2012.
You can get involved in carrying out condition surveys of local war memorials and updating War Memorials Online