To mark the start of the annual Armed Forces Week there was a flag raising ceremony outside the Great Hall in Winchester and the unveiling of a memorial to those that passed through Morn Hill camps during the First World War.
On Monday, June 23, proceedings began with a selection of military music at the Buttercross, High Street, by The Band & Bugles of the Rifles.
They then marched to St Maurice’s Covert where they were met by a contingent of service personnel drawn from the Royal Navy, the Army and Royal Air Force.
Together they proceeded up the High Street to the Great Hall for the ceremony and unveiling of the ‘To Honour a Promise’ memorial, which marks the centenary since the outbreak of WWI in 1914.
It sits at the base of the steps in the courtyard by the Great Hall, and throughout the ceremony was covered in a cloth made by textiles students from Peter Symonds College.
Simon Smith’s brief was not to create a standard memorial, but something to represent those who had passed through the camp. The memorial sensitively shows the kit as if it has been left on the seat- but where is the soldier now?
i really like this sculpture of a soldiers kit on the bench… and the stone wall behind it Cherie… it’s a wonderful memorial….peter:)
It captivated me! When I got back home I had to do a bit of research to find out what it symbolised.
Presumably this is a permanent exhibition in this place, Cherie?
Yes this one is permanent.
This bench, the idea and style reminded me of the Women of World War II Monument in London.
Have you see it before? It’s located right next to the Cenotaph.
I have not seen the WWII Monument, I must remember to look out for it
What a touching tribute to the fallen Cherie.
Best wishes for 2015,
Di xx
Thanks Di, best wishes to you too
Oh my Cherie that is a sight that certainly chokes one up…
It is poignant and moving.
Reading this and watching the video makes me realise that I definitely need to visit Winchester. I think they’ve done really well with that memorial, it is really lovely. It is almost as if you can reach through time and touch the soldier to whom that kit belongs.
Winchester is a really interesting place to visit. I can suggest some things you might like if you decide to go there