Imagine a world gripped by conflict. The Royal Artillery Boer War Memorial stands here as a testament to a painful chapter in history. This memorial commemorates the 1,083 soldiers of the Royal Artillery who perished in the Second Boer War from 1899 to 1902.
The Royal Artillery Boer War Memorial was unveiled on July 20, 1910. Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, officiated the ceremony. A memorial service preceded the unveiling at St Paul’s Cathedral. An electric impulse sent from the cathedral triggered the dropping of flags concealing the memorial.
Aston Webb designed the stone elements of The Royal Artillery Boer War Memorial. This was part of his grand project to upgrade The Mall. His project included a new facade for Buckingham Palace. He also planned a wider tree-lined road from the Victoria Memorial to Admiralty Arch.
William Robert Colton created the bronze sculptures. Colton had previously designed the Worcester Boer War Memorial.
The Royal Artillery Boer War Memorial has a central square plinth. A curved wall of Portland stone stands behind it. The memorial rests on a granite platform with five steps leading up from The Mall. The memorial faces the Duke of York Column across the road.
A life-size bronze statue sits atop the tall plinth. It depicts a horse representing the Spirit of War. A winged figure of Peace calms the horse with an olive branch. Some interpret the figure as Fame. Bronze plaques display war scenes in high relief. The Royal Artillery’s mottoes are inscribed on the plinth. “UBIQUE” means “everywhere”. “QUO FAS ET GLORIA DUCUNT” translates to “where right and glory lead”.
Bronze plaques line the concave wall. They bear the inscription “ERECTED BY OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE ROYAL ARTILLERY IN MEMORY OF THEIR HONOURED DEAD IN SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902”. Stone pillars flank each end of the wall. They feature low relief plaques of war scenes beneath bronze wreaths. The initials “E” and “R” are on the wreaths.
Originally, the names of the 1,083 war dead were listed horizontally on the granite platform floor. Visitors inadvertently dishonoured the dead by treading on their names. The panels were moved to the walls. The names of 61 officers are listed together on one panel in order of rank.
The Royal Artillery Boer War Memorial suffered damage during the Peace Procession on July 19, 1919. Restoration work took place in 1923.
Today, The Royal Artillery Boer War Memorial stands as a Grade II listed building. It signifies a war memorial of architectural and sculptural quality. It was designed by Aston Webb and William Colton. Colton’s design for the Staffordshire County War Memorial reused the sculptural group. Leonard Stanford Merrifield completed that memorial in 1923, after Colton’s death.
Pause for a moment. Consider the sacrifices made by those whose names are inscribed here. The Royal Artillery Boer War Memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict. It also stands as a symbol of peace and remembrance.