Reflect for a moment. This bronze figure embodies the spirit of the Royal Fusiliers. The Royal Fusiliers Statue stands here as a tribute to their bravery. This memorial commemorates the Royal Fusiliers who served. It honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Royal Fusiliers War Memorial is located at Holborn Bar. This was once an ancient entry point to the City of London.
The Royal Fusiliers War Memorial was erected in 1922. It remembers the almost 22000 soldiers of the Royal Fusiliers. They died during the Great War. The Royal Fusiliers was also known as City of London Regiment. Later inscriptions commemorate those who fell during World War II. Subsequent conflicts are also memorialized.
Albert Toft designed the monument. He was a renowned sculptor. Cheadle and Harding were the architects. The statue is of a private soldier. He is in service dress. The soldier carries a rifle with a fixed bayonet. It is said that Sergeant Cox inspired the statue. He served with the Royal Fusiliers throughout World War I.
Originally, a Royal Park was considered for the memorial. Hounslow Barracks was also considered. Eventually, Holborn was chosen. Major-General Sir Geoffrey Barton advocated for this location. He believed it would bring home to the public the great services rendered by the City. The Lord Mayor unveiled the Royal Fusiliers War Memorial on November 4th 1922. The Corporation of London has been responsible for it ever since.
The Royal Fusiliers derive from two independent companies. These companies garrisoned the Tower of London. They were nearly all Londoners. The east face of the Royal Fusiliers Statue features a plate. This plate lists all the battalions that served in World War I. The west face features the regimental crest. It also has a dedication. The statue stands on a Portland stone pedestal.
The Royal Fusiliers War Memorial is more than just a statue. It represents courage. It embodies sacrifice. The Royal Fusiliers Statue serves as a reminder. It ensures that their stories are never forgotten. An identical statue stands at the Oldham War Memorial. Another version stands at Flers on the Somme in France. The Royal Fusiliers War Memorial became a Grade II listed structure in 1972. It was upgraded to Grade II* in July 2017.
Take a moment to appreciate the detail of the Royal Fusiliers Statue. Notice the soldier’s determined gaze. Feel the weight of history. Remember the Royal Fusiliers and their unwavering dedication. Their legacy lives on in this iconic memorial.