Memorial takes pride of place

For years it was hidden away. But now a war memorial honouring soldiers from Wolverhampton who lost their lives in both world wars has been moved to one of the highest points at a busy Black Country tourist attraction.

The statue, nicknamed Tommy, left its spot at the Territorial Army barracks in Fallings Park to move to its new home at the Black Country Living Museum, where it will be seen by more than 300,000 people a year.

The eight-ton memorial was originally erected in 1923 at William Butler's Springfield Brewery to commemorate the sacrifice made by employees who fought in the First and Second World Wars.

On Saturday a rededication service was held at the museum and attended by a number of dignitaries.

Major Ray Baddams, Salvation Army minster who led the service said: "This memorial has stood for many years in the Springfield Brewery premises in Wolverhampton, testifying to the courage, service and self-sacrifice of those named."

The monument was originally placed at the centre of the brewery yard in Cambridge Street, Springfields.

A new granite base was added on September 16, 1949, to make room for the names of workers from the brewery who served and died during the Second World War.