80 years old : Citizens’ War Memorial (Cathedral Square)

The Citizens' War Memorial is still there, hidden behind the cordon.

Citizens' War Memorial
Citizen's War Memorial. 2007. Flickr File reference CCL-2013-01-15-DSC05887

The Citizens' War Memorial has stood outside the  Christchurch Anglican Cathedral for eighty years. It survived the earthquakes of 2010/2011 undamaged.

On 9 June 1937 the statue was unveiled by Colonel S.C.P. Nicholls, after a service by Anglican Archbishop Julius.

Originally modelled in clay by local artist William Trethewey, the moulds for the statue were sent to England to be cast in bronze by A.B Burton.

There are six figures in the statue.

Seated with outstretched arms is a figure representing the Mothers of the Empire in an attitude of grief for her lost sons.

St George, in armour, is on the right, facing the Cathedral. He represents valour and protection. On the other side is Youth, holding a torch.

Above St George is Peace, who holds an olive Branch and a dove. Next to her is Justice, who is blindfolded and carries a set of scales, a symbol of balance.

The Angel at the top (my Dad's favourite) is breaking a sword. She was to be called Victory, but it was decided not to name her.

Peek through the fence surrounding Christchurch Cathedral at this wonderful statue. It's still there amongst the weeds...

Further information