Bodmin landmark gets cleaned-up to celebrate 100 years
The war memorial marks the entrance to Bodmin Keep
A Bodmin landmark has been cleaned-up ahead of its 100th anniversary.
The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry (DCLI) War Memorial marks the entrance to Bodmin Keep.
The bronze figure of a First World War soldier looks towards the town centre on a base of Cornish granite.
After the First World War, the DCLI approached the famous artist Stanhope Forbes - the 'Father of the Newlyn School' - for help.
Forbes lost his only child Alex Forbes during the First World War. Alex had joined the DCLI and was killed in the Battle of the Somme in 1916 aged 19. Forbes’ portrait of Alex hangs in Bodmin Keep.
The memorial was designed by Mr L.S. Merryfield of Chelsea, London, an associate of Forbes. The man used for modelling was Cornishman William Harvey Triggs, who had served with the Regiment and was a frequent model for Forbes.
The War Memorial was unveiled by HRH the Prince of Wales (Duke of Cornwall), Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment (later King Edward VIII) on Thursday 17 July 1924.
On 13 August 1950, a further unveiling and rededication took place in order to commemorate the fallen of the Second World War, with the DCLI Battalions involved, shown on the granite arcs surrounding the main memorial.
At over 4 metres in height, the imposing memorial and its surroundings have been given some much-needed care and attention ahead of its 100th anniversary.
Helen Bishop-Stephens, Director of Bodmin Keep, said: "I’m thrilled that this important memorial, honouring those from the county’s regiments that gave their lives in service of their country, has been brought back to glory for its centenary.
"It is important to the Cornish regiments, Bodmin Keep and Cornwall to recognise this historic site."
The project was organised by Cornwall’s DCLI, SCLI, LI & Rifles Association, bringing in Steve Davies of Military Grave Restorer CIC, to lead on the work.
Following Steve’s restoration, Chairman of the Association, Nigel James MBE, organised a group of Association members to complete the cleaning.