LEICESTER SOUTH AFRICAN (BOER) WAR MEMORIAL

Boer War - Detailed Information
Compiled and Copyright © Martin Edwards 2008
names transcribed by Martin O’Neill-March 2011

The Leicester South African (Boer) War Memorial is situated in the corner of Town Hall Square, Leicester, at the junction of Every Street and Horsefair Street. It takes the form of a wall with bronze panels, a central figure of peace and, at either end, the figures of grief and war. The memorial was funded by public subscription and unveiled on 1st July 1909 by Field Marshall Lord Grenfell; the sculptor was Joseph Crosland McClure, of Leicester Art School, the architect/designer was John Breedon Everard of Messrs. Everard, Son & Pick and the foundry used was Messrs. Collins & Co. There are 315 names listed by Regiment, rank and surname; these have been transcribed and sorted into alphabetical order for ease fo reading and research.

The dedication and unveiling ceremony taken from an old postcard.

Photograph Courtesy of the Leicester Mercury. This photograph sent in by Mr Glyn Hatfield, of Kibworth Beauchamp, records the unveiling of the South African Boer War Memorial in Horsefair Street in July, 1909 by Field Marshal Lord Grenfell who is seen in the foreground having just completed his inspection of the troops. Charles Lakin, Leicester's Mayor of the day, is standing in a small group of dignitaries in front of the memorial, behind which a large crowd has gathered to witness the special occasion. According to a printed note on the reverse side of the original photograph the historic moment was captured by the camera of photographer R Leonhardt from the upstairs of his premises at 7, Horsefair Street

Photograph Courtesy of the Leicester Mercury from Loughborough Museum's new display about the Boer War: the caption from this copy picture from the display reads; The mounted infantry company of the 1st Leicestershire Regiment was photographed by Horace Nicholls on the outskirts of Ladysmith. The physical and mental exhaustion of the past week - of Talana Hill and Yule's retreat is clear. A picture showing a column of soldiers from the Anglo-Boer War. An exhibition at Charnwood Museum combines pictures with letters from local soldiers involved in the conflict.

GLORY TO GOD: HONOUR THE DEAD
PEACE AFTER VICTORY
TO THE MEMORY OF THE LEICESTERSHIRE MEN
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY
SOUTH AFRICA, 1899-1902

Last updated 7 May, 2011