A hushed reverence hangs in the air. We stand before the War Memorial to the Children of Upper North Street School. This isn’t just a monument. It’s a poignant reminder of a devastating day in June 1917. Eighteen young lives were tragically cut short. A German bomb fell on their school during the first daylight air raid on London.
The War Memorial to the Children of Upper North Street School stands as a testament to their innocence. It’s a beautiful and heartbreaking memorial. Imagine the scene. The chaos the screams the immediate aftermath. The memorial is located in Poplar Recreation Ground. It was unveiled in 1919 by Major General Ashmore. He commanded the London Air Defence Area. The area was established largely in response to that devastating raid.
The inscription on the south face tells the story. It lists the names and ages of the 18 children. The ages are heartbreaking. Many were only four or five years old. There are some inaccuracies. William Hollis for example was ten days shy of his fifth birthday. Some middle initials are also missing. These details highlight the human element of the tragedy. The memorial wasn’t created without mistakes. It reflects the rushed emotion of the time.
The War Memorial to the Children of Upper North Street School isn’t just stone and marble. It’s a symbol of community resilience. The memorial was erected by public subscription. A. R. Adams a local Poplar resident oversaw its construction. The cost was over £218 a substantial sum at the time. Funds were also used for cots in Poplar Hospital and the Lord Mayor’s Home for Crippled Children.
This angel on a four-sided pillar stands as a silent guardian. It watches over the names etched into its surface. These names represent the immeasurable loss felt by families. And the wider community. The memorial’s design is elegant. It consists of a central column of white marble. Black Labrador granite columns surround it. A white stepped stone base adds to the memorial’s dignified presence.
Today the War Memorial to the Children of Upper North Street School remains a place of remembrance. It serves as a somber reminder of the horrors of war. But also as a symbol of hope. The community came together to create this memorial. This ensured that these children would never be forgotten. Their memory lives on in the hearts of all who visit. Their lives tragically ended but their names will forever be remembered.