The striking six-foot aluminium silhouettes of a British Soldier from the Great War, known as a ‘Tommy’ at the time, have been placed in the City’s Garden of Remembrance on Corn Exchange Road by Stirling Council, close to the existing official War Memorial.
The statues are part of the ‘There But Not There’ charity campaign, which aims to commemorate and educate about the sacrifice of those who served in the First World War and the impact of conflict on those at the front line.
Inspired by an iconic picture of a Tommy by Home Front Official Photographer, Horace Nicholls, the statues form a fitting tribute to the war dead and are a timely reminder of the effects of armed conflict across the world ahead of Armistice Day on November 11, which will mark 100 years since the end of WW1.
Stirling Council Provost, Christine Simpson, said: “These simple yet beautiful statues are an excellent way to focus our attention on not just those who gave their lives for us, but the lasting effects of war.
“The Great War may have ended a century ago but it’ll never be forgotten, especially in communities like Stirling where so many joined the battle or helped in whatever way they could.
“These statues serve as a dignified tribute to those who went to war, those who never came back, and those who – even in modern times – still live with mental and physical wounds suffered as a result of conflict.”
The two Tommy statues were placed beside benches already installed at the Garden of Remembrance near the Albert Halls.
Their installation was welcomed by Stirling Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Bryan Flannagan, who said it was right for Stirling to recognise both the sacrifices and lasting impacts inherent in armed conflict.
Cllr Flannagan, a former submarine Naval Officer, said: “This is a fantastic addition to the already well-established area of remembrance in Stirling.
“These unique statues have been chosen for two reasons: Firstly, as a solemn form of remembrance for all who served and fell in the Great War and, more importantly, to spark discussion and thought amongst people to the history of the conflicts as well as the suffering and horrors endured.
“I hope the people of Stirling are able to visit the statues as well as pay their respects during Remembrance Day for the centenary of the end of WWI.”
John Bell, Stirling Branch Secretary of the Royal British Legion Scotland, was joined at the unveiling of the statues on Thursday by Poppy Scotland’s Area Organiser, Jimmy Mann, and added: “These statues are really poignant. They are so simple in design but they convey the message of the sacrifice so well.”