Wales National War Memorial
Sightseeing attraction | Cardiff | Wales | United Kingdom
The "Wales National War Memorial" in Cardiff, Wales, is a significant and impressive landmark that serves as a central monument to remember the Welsh soldiers who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars. This imposing monument is located in the Alexandra Gardens in the heart of Cathays Park, one of the city's most magnificent architectural ensembles, and was unveiled in 1928. It is a symbol of remembrance and national identity, honoring the sacrifices of the Welsh population in the global conflicts of the 20th century while reflecting the artistic and architectural sophistication of the time.
The history of the Wales National War Memorial began during the First World War, when the idea of a national memorial site was first raised in 1917. At that time, the war was still ongoing, and the need to honor the fallen soldiers was becoming increasingly urgent. After the war ended in 1918, the project took concrete form in 1919 when the newspaper "Western Mail" launched a national fundraising campaign and a committee was established to organize the implementation. Financing proved difficult as local efforts were initially insufficient, but the support of the newspaper provided the decisive momentum. Four designs were submitted, and in 1924 the committee chose the proposal of the renowned architect Sir Ninian Comper. The solemn unveiling took place on June 12, 1928, by the then Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII, in a ceremony broadcast by the still young BBC. Later, in 1949, a plaque commemorating the fallen of the Second World War was added, making the memorial a place of remembrance for both world wars.
Architecturally, the Wales National War Memorial is a masterpiece of Neoclassicism with clear references to classical antiquity. It consists of a circular colonnade of Portland stone, reminiscent of the architecture of the Acropolis in Athens, with unfluted Corinthian columns conveying an impression of elegance and strength. The colonnade encloses a lower, circular courtyard accessible by three short flights of steps, each flanked by rectangular porticoes with wrought iron gates. In the center of the courtyard rises a three-sided platform on which stand three bronze statues: a soldier, a sailor, and an airman, each holding a wreath aloft. These figures, designed by sculptor Henry Alfred Pegram, represent the three branches of the armed forces - army, navy, and air force - and were modeled by a young sailor named Fred Barker, who posed both in uniform and naked to capture natural proportions. Above the statues sits another bronze sculpture depicting the winged messenger of victory, often interpreted as Archangel Michael triumphantly holding a sword aloft. Emerging beneath the platform are three bronze dolphins symbolizing Britain's maritime heritage.
The memorial bears two inscriptions underscoring its significance. Above the entrance, in Welsh, it reads: "I Feibion Cymru a Roddes eu Bywyd dros eu Gwlad yn Rhyfel MCMXIV - MCMXVIII", while inside an English inscription reads: "Remember here in peace those who in tumult of war by sea, on land, in air, for us and for the victory endureth unto death". Above each of the three statues are Latin words: "In hoc signo vinces", referencing the Christian faith and the hope of victory. These elements give the memorial a deeper symbolic significance that goes beyond mere remembrance and hearkens back to classical antiquity.
For visitors, the Wales National War Memorial is a place of reflection and admiration. It stands freely accessible in the Alexandra Gardens, surrounded by manicured lawns and trees creating a tranquil atmosphere. Its elevated position in Cathays Park offers an impressive view of the memorial, standing out against the surrounding buildings including City Hall and the National Museum Cardiff. Visitors can walk around the colonnade or descend the steps to view the statues up close, appreciating the fine details of the bronze sculptures and classical architecture. The central figure of the victory messenger often captures attention, while the three soldier figures exude a quiet dignity that makes the sacrifices of war tangible. The site is particularly popular during the annual Remembrance Sunday, when the national commemoration for Wales takes place here, accompanied by military parades and wreath-laying.
The Wales National War Memorial is more than just a monument - it is a symbol of collective remembrance and Welsh national pride. It tells the story of initiative during the First World War, the challenging community funding, and its role as a central memorial site for two world wars. For the local community, it is a place of tribute and unity, while for visitors, it offers an opportunity to experience the history and artistic achievement behind this impressive structure.
In summary, the "Wales National War Memorial" in Cardiff is a landmark that combines history, art, and remembrance in an impressive way. It chronicles its origins in the early 20th century, the visionary design of Sir Ninian Comper, and its significance as a national symbol for the fallen of the world wars. For visitors, it is an unforgettable place that makes Wales' past tangible - a monument that has endured through time and reflects the soul of the nation.
