West Yorkshire War Memorial – Huddersfield

Continuing with my photographic record of war memorials, very close to where we live is this 6 foot high memorial bought from the proceeds raised by the local community. What I haven’t yet been able to uncover is the cost, who managed the project and which members of the community commissioned the memorial. Unfortunately, most of the residents are now of a younger age and have no direct or it seems indirect knowledge of this memorial nor who the men where whose names are carved in the stone.

Not knowing who laid their lives down is shameful and as one of the younger generation, OK some would now call me middle aged generation, I heave a sign of remorse that during my younger years I never took any time to really understand that loss, that sacrifice. The loss to a country but more than that, the loss to the family. These men were husbands, brothers, fathers loved by someone who even now themselves are lost to us.

This memorial recognises the loss of 13 men who fought and never returned from the 1st World War and 11 men that were lost to battle in the 2nd World War. 24 men from a small community in Lowerhouses nr Huddersfield.

Kirklees council must be praised. They have taken the entire area where this small memorial is placed and have restored the small park area around it. Hopefully, at some point soon, seating will be cemented into place. On a Summers evening when the blossom trees are in full bloom, the trees are create a canopy of pink blossom creating a wonderfully serene location to sit, gather your thoughts and enjoy life – your life, our lives.