Bowed in silent tribute a bronze soldier stands. This is the Streatham War Memorial. A poignant reminder of sacrifice. It stands near the northwest corner of Streatham Common. Unveiled in 1922 it commemorates the fallen of two World Wars.
Originally a grand Hall of Remembrance was planned. The Streatham War Memorial General Council envisioned a magnificent building. A space to honour the 720 servicemen killed in the First World War alone. However lack of funding changed the plans. The focus shifted to a more modest memorial. A servicemen’s club and a memorial garden were proposed. Funding remained an issue though. The building was eventually sold. Proceeds were used to create the memorial we see today.
Designed by Albert Toft the memorial is a striking piece. A square white stone column supports a life-size bronze statue. The soldier’s head is bowed. His hands rest on a reversed rifle. A discarded jacket helmet and gas mask lie at his feet. Toft’s design was quite prolific. He used nearly identical statues in other First World War memorials. They stand in Stone Staffordshire Leamington Warwickshire and Thornton-Cleveleys.
The plinth bears the inscription “TO OUR GLORIOUS DEAD”. Bronze wreaths mark the years 1914-1918 and 1939-1945. A plaque added in 2010 expresses further gratitude. It quotes lines from Laurence Binyon’s “Ode of Remembrance”. This beautiful tribute was dedicated to the men and women of Streatham who gave their lives. It commemorates those who served in the two World Wars and other conflicts.
The memorial sits in a small garden surrounded by iron railings. Plaques honour three Victoria Cross recipients from Streatham. Frederick Henry Johnson Geoffrey Cather and Alfred Fleming-Sandes. A civilian war memorial stands nearby. This contemporary sculpture is dedicated to all from Streatham affected by war. The Streatham War Memorial remains a powerful symbol. A testament to the sacrifices made by those from this community. It’s a place for quiet reflection and remembrance. A place to honour those who gave their all.