Gazing upon this granite obelisk, we stand before the Borehamwood War Memorial. It’s a powerful symbol of remembrance, etched with the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Borehamwood War Memorial isn’t just a monument. It’s a testament to the courage and resilience of this community.
The Borehamwood War Memorial, unveiled on October 9, 1921, and dedicated on October 20, 1921, commemorates the local men lost in the First World War. Later, names were added for those lost in the Second World War and the Falklands Conflict. This obelisk, set upon a plinth and base, bears a poignant inscription. It reads “1914-1918 / 1939-1945 / ERECTED / TO THE MEMORY / OF THE MEN / OF THIS VILLAGE / WHO FELL / IN THE GREAT WAR / REVERENCE IT / FOR THEIR SAKE”. It continues with a quote from 1 Samuel 25:15-16, “THE MEN WERE VERY GOOD UNTO / US, AND WE WERE NOT HURT / THEY WERE AS A WALL UNTO US / BOTH BY NIGHT AND DAY”. The inscription concludes with “IN MEMORY OF / ALL OTHERS OF THIS / PARISH WHO HAVE / GIVEN THEIR LIVES / IN THE SERVICE / OF THEIR COUNTRY”. Eighty-one names are etched on the Borehamwood War Memorial. Thirty-nine from the First World War, forty from the Second, and one from the Falklands Conflict. Names like Allam, F., Allen, S., and Andrews, C.J. Each name represents a life lost, a family forever changed.
The Borehamwood War Memorial has been moved from its original location at Theobald Street/Shenley Road to its current spot on Shenley Road. The granite obelisk stands 5.3 meters tall, a silent sentinel watching over the town. The Borehamwood War Memorial isn’t just about the past. It’s a reminder for future generations of the cost of freedom. As we move on, let us carry the memory of these brave men and women with us. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten. The Borehamwood War Memorial stands as a lasting tribute.