Carved in Portland stone it stands tall. The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry War Memorial Obelisk. A silent sentinel it guards the memory of those lost. This imposing obelisk isn’t just a monument. It’s a story etched in stone. A story of sacrifice and remembrance.
Designed by the renowned Sir Edwin Lutyens. Lutyens also designed the Cenotaph in London. This memorial isn’t just any war memorial. It’s a testament to Lutyens’s remarkable skill. The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry War Memorial Obelisk stands as a proud example of his artistry.
The memorial was unveiled on Armistice Day in 1923. Major-General Sir John Hanbury-Williams performed the unveiling ceremony. Bishop Shaw dedicated the obelisk. The location wasn’t chosen arbitrarily. Christ Church College donated the land. It was strategically placed on Rose Hill. This ensured the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry War Memorial Obelisk was visible against the sky. A fitting tribute.
Inscriptions tell the tale. The west side remembers 5878 soldiers. They fell in the Great War. The east side remembers 1408 more. These men gave their lives in the Second World War. The dates 1914 and 1919 are also inscribed. These mark the start and end of the First World War. The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry War Memorial Obelisk tells a story of two world wars. It’s a powerful visual reminder of their losses.
The regimental cap badge is carved into the obelisk. This immediately identifies those commemorated. The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry War Memorial Obelisk isn’t merely a collection of stones. It’s a symbol of a regiment’s courage. It’s a reminder of those who served and sacrificed. It stands as a grade II listed building. The memorial’s design is surprisingly simple yet effective. It conveys a profound sense of loss and remembrance.
The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry War Memorial Obelisk is more than just a war memorial. It is a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice. It’s a legacy. A testament to courage. It is a solemn place for reflection. It silently speaks volumes about the enduring human spirit.