- Type of Memorial
- Sculptured / Cast group
- WMR Reference Number
- 2107
- Description
- A bronze figure of winged Victory, atop an orb and holding an inverted sword and laurel wreath: this stands on a tall stone pedestal and a three-stepped base. The pedestal is flanked on the 3 and 9 o'clock sides by the figures of St George standing on the dragon and by Peace holding a dove. Two bronze plaques bearing First World War inscription, with lettering in relief, are mounted on the 6 o'clock face, a bronze plaque with Second World War inscription, also in relief, on 12 o'clock face. An additional plaque for post-1945 casualties, added in 2008, is mounted above Second World War plaque. A terracotta casket with the First World War names and ephemera from the war was buried within foundation of monument. To the north are the decorative metal park gates, railings and stone piers which all form part of the original design and form a group with the memorial. Adjacent to the park gates are two, modern metal benches, enamelled in black and red, commemorating the 1914-1918 armistice anniversary. The backs of the benches are pierced with outline figures in uniform, horses, poppies and doves.
- Inscription
- 6 o'clock face, upper plaque: TO THE / GLORIOUS / MEMORY /OF THE MEN / OF / COLCHESTER / WHO FELL IN / THE GREAT WAR / 1914 - 18 / THEY STROVE FOR PEACE / THEY SERVED / FOR FREEDOM / THEY DIED TO LIVE
TO THE / HONOUR / OF THE / MEN & WOMEN / OF / COLCHESTER / WHO STOOD FOR / KING & COVNTRY / & BEARING ARMS / OR BY THEIR WORK / HELPED TO WIN / THE WAR / 1914-18
6 o'clock face, lower plaque: THE NAMES OF 1263 MEN OF COLCHESTER/ HERE COMMEMORATED ARE INSCRIBED/ ON VELLUM AND DISPLAYED INSIDE THE/ PRINCIPAL ENTRANCE AT THE TOWN HALL
12 o'clock face, upper plaque: TO MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES FROM COLCHESTER / KILLED ON DUTY OR AS A RESULT OF TERRORIST ACTION / SINCE THE END OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR
12 o'clock face, lower plaque: AND TO THE HONOUR ALSO/ OF THOSE WHO WORKED, SERVED/ AND DIED IN THE FURTHER WAR OF/ 1939 - 1945