Remember those who served. Right here stands the Hendon War Memorial. It is a poignant reminder of sacrifice.
This memorial sits at the junction of Watford Way and The Burroughs. Imagine this area in 1922. Sir Audley Neeld’s estate was growing. Roads were being built. Hendon was changing.
The Hendon War Memorial was unveiled on St George’s Day. That was April 23 1922. It was a solemn ceremony. The Bishop of Willesden led the dedication. People gathered to honour the fallen. Originally the memorial stood near St Joseph’s Convent.
In 1962, the memorial was moved. Road widening required relocation. Now it stands on this central reservation.
Look closely at the stonework. The Yockney and Hartham Park Stone Company crafted it. Mr George Ramsbotham was the general contractor. Mr George Hornblower designed and supervised. He served as honorary architect.
Public subscription funded the Hendon War Memorial. The cost was £451. The bronze plaques added another £205. These plaques bear names. They commemorate the glorious dead of Hendon.
Note the cross design. It is a stone flanched cross. Copenacre box ground stone was used. A broad sword is carved in relief. The sword is on the front face of the cross shaft.
The Hendon War Memorial stands on a plinth. The plinth has a moulded cornice and base. It is an irregular octagon. Bronze plaques adorn the wider faces.
Read the inscriptions. The south face reads 1914-1918. It states the memorial was erected by residents. It lists those from the Central and West Wards of Hendon.
The west face continues the Central Ward names. The east face lists names from the West Ward. These names represent lives cut short. Each name tells a story.
After World War II, a stone block was added. It commemorates those lost in that conflict. The inscription honors both service members and civilians. They were inhabitants of Hendon.
In 2015, another plaque was added. This one lists names of those lost in the Second World War. It includes a poignant plea. Let those who come after see to it that their names be not forgotten.
Consider the names. There are 87 names from the Central Ward. The Central Ward continued has 137 names. The West Ward lists 138 names. The Second World War plaque has 228 names.
The Hendon War Memorial is more than stone and bronze. It is a place of remembrance. It is a testament to sacrifice. It is a reminder of the cost of war.
This memorial is listed at Grade II. It recognizes its historic importance. It also recognizes its architectural merit. The sword carved in relief is particularly noted.
Take a moment to reflect. Remember the individuals named here. Think about their families and their community. The Hendon War Memorial stands as a silent witness. It remembers the tragic impact of world events. It commemorates the sacrifices made by this community. Let’s honor their memory.