“What could be more poignant than a war memorial?” I ask, gesturing towards the Chiswick War Memorial. It stands as a solemn reminder of sacrifice. This monument honors the men of Chiswick who fell in both World Wars.
The Chiswick War Memorial was unveiled on November 13, 1921. The Duke of Devonshire and the Bishop of London presided over the ceremony. Edward Willis designed the memorial. He was the Engineer and Architect to the Chiswick Urban District Council. Messrs Fenning and Co of Hammersmith built it. Willis also designed the Chiswick War Memorial Rest Homes. These homes housed disabled servicemen. They were completed in the same year.
Originally, metal railings surrounded the Chiswick War Memorial. These have since been removed. The memorial is made of Cornish granite. It features an obelisk set on a square mound. Granite paving tops the mound. Low tubular bronze rails run between granite piers. A flight of five granite steps descends on the north-east side.
The obelisk sits on a plinth. The plinth has a moulded top and a two-stepped base. A bronze laurel wreath adorns the shaft. A bronze plaque on the plinth reads: “IN GRATEFUL MEMORY OF THE MEN OF CHISWICK WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR 1914–1918.” The upper step of the base is inscribed: “AND IN THE WORLD WAR 1939-1945.” A stone kerb borders the mound.
The Brentford and Chiswick Urban District Council considered various commemoration ideas. They rejected a sunken bandstand on Turnham Green. Instead, they chose almshouses and a memorial arch. The arch design proved too costly. A more modest memorial was erected instead.
On July 17, 1922, the Chiswick War Memorial Homes opened. These provided rest for disabled men and their families. Dependants of those who fell in the war were also accommodated. HRH The Countess of Wessex re-dedicated this part of the memorial on November 11, 2010. This followed the redevelopment of the Homes.
At the unveiling ceremony in 1921, Mrs. Gould played a particularly poignant role. She laid the official wreath. This was because she had lost three of her four sons in the war. The Chiswick Times described her as “A BRAVE MOTHER.” The article noted the deep emotion as she placed the wreath. The Duke and Bishop offered their sympathy.
The inscription on the wreath read: “In honour of the Chiswick dead, from the Chiswick War Memorial Fund Committee, on behalf of all the inhabitants of Chiswick.”
Standing here, we remember the individuals whose names are etched in our hearts. The Chiswick War Memorial serves as a focal point for remembrance. It allows us to reflect on the cost of conflict. It is a permanent tribute to those who sacrificed everything for peace. It stands as a reminder of the importance of community. The Chiswick War Memorial ensures their bravery will never be forgotten.