Express & Star

Dudley's Boer War memorial is hit by vandals – again

Vandals have damaged a war memorial in Dudley. The yobs attacked the Boer War memorial in Dudley Cemetery, snapping off a bayonet held by a soldier.

Published

The attack was condemned by Dudley councillor Steve Waltho as 'the lowest of the low'. The monument commemorates 56 Dudley men who died during the conflict in South Africa between 1899 and 1902. Following the previous repair work, the memorial was granted Grade II-listed status by Historic England.

It is the second time it has been targeted in recent years. Damage was done to the statue in 2013, when the soldier's original bronze rifle was stolen, and their marble hands broken off.

The monument commemorates 56 Dudley men who died during the conflict in South Africa between 1899 and 1902.

After thew 2013 attack money was raised to repair the memorial in time for Remembrance Day in 2015. A replacement rifle and hands were carved by stonemason Malcolm Morris, while aluminium was used to create a new bayonet and strap.

On hearing the memorial has once again been damaged, representative for the St Thomas ward, Councillor Waltho, said: "It is just terribly sad. We have got a great rapport with the military in this area. To hear that someone has wantonly vandalised a memorial, it is beyond understanding. Whoever did this is the lowest of the low. Once again we will rally around and support any restoration."

Following the previous repair work, the memorial was granted Grade II listed status by Historic England.

The monument to the local men who had died in the Second Boer War – more commonly referred to as just the Boer War – was first unveiled on September 23, 1904, by Lieutenant General Sir Neville Gerald Lyttleton. It cost around £300, a sum that was met by public subscription.

Moreover, it was designed by a former student of the Dudley School of Art, Henry Owen Burgess of Old Hill.

The whole memorial stands 5.5m high and its design incorporates crossed rifles and the British Colonial pattern helmet. An inscription reads 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends'.

The original plinth was made in red and grey granite, while the pair of figures were made of Sicilian marble. Historic England recognised the piece as a substantial and elaborate example of a Boer War Memorial, with an important local focus. Its design by a local artist, and the fact that it was paid for by subscription, using a range of coloured stones and high quality material, were also acknowledged as signs of its importance to the local community.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.