Falkirk Herald - Saturday 14 October 1922
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000468/19221014/142/0007
UNVEILING OF OLD POLMONT WAR MEMORIAL.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL KINCAID SMITH’S TRIBUTE TO THE FALLEN.
IMPRESSIVE AND MEMORABLE SCENES AT SUNDAYS CEREMONIAL.
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Brigadier-General Kincaid Smith addressing the gathering alter the Unveiling. Synchronising perfectly with its beautiful setting of foliage, resplendent in the tints of autumn, the imposing memorial erected to the memory of the 113 men belonging to ihe parish of Old Polmont, who fell in the war, was unveiled by Brigadier-General K. J. Kincaid Smith, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., on Sunday afternoon. The solemn and deeply impressive ceremonial which marked the occasion was witnessed by a crowd of several thousands of people, who joined whole-heartedly in the devotional part of the proceedings. In addition to the large representation of the general public, the service was also attended by a very large number ex-service men, and numerous Masonic and other bodies. A more ideal day for the purpose could scarcely have been conceived, there being just sufficient freshness in the air to prevent discomfort in the great gathering which congregated, wherever room could be found round the memorial.
OLD POLMONT’S TRIBUTE.
Erected in the Polmont Station Road, at a point immediately opposite the bowling green, the memorial, which takes the form of a wayside shrine, is of most artistic conception. The centre-piece stands some feet above the level of tile roadway, and is in the shape of a beautiful hexagonal column constructed of Creetown silver-grey granite. Six panels bear the names of the fallen, and above these are canopies each containing an ornamental bronze wreath. Surmounting, in letters of black, corresponding to those in which the names are executed is the simple inscription
"This memorial was erected in grateful memory of the men who made the supreme sacrifice in the Great Wax, 1914-1919.”
At each of the four corners of the shrine is pedestal on which is mounted a lion rampant, with shield. The lions are executed in Lockerbie red stone, this serving to emphasise the purity of the granite monument which represents the Trinity. Enclosing the shrine is railing, with a gate and stair leading to the monument, through which the wayfarer may pass to do homage to the fallen brave. Designed by Mr Robert Douglas, of Messrs Robert Douglas and Sons, sculptors, Airdrie and Dumfries, the memorial is a model of its kind, and reflects great credit upon the artist.
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