Birmingham Corporation Tramways War Memorial and Gates

The Birmingham Corporation Tramways War Memorial and Gates is a Portland stone and marble structure erected in commemoration of employees lost during the Great War (1914-1918) and the Second World War (1939-1945). The memorial stands approximately 30 feet high, 16 feet wide, and 2 feet deep.

The memorial is composed of a three-stepped base supporting a wall featuring inset panels containing names and descriptive text. A central column rises from the wall’s centre, topped with an urn and a wreath with ribbons at its base; the column is inscribed with the words ‘OUR GLORIOUS DEAD.’ The central panel of the wall includes the inscription ‘CITY OF BIRMINGHAM/ TRAMWAYS DEPARTMENT/ TO THE/ GLORIOUS MEMORY OF/ OUR COMRADES/ WHO DURING/ THE GREAT WAR/ MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE/ FOR HOME AND COUNTRY/ 1914-1918.’ A later marble plaque has been added below, reading: ‘ALSO THE SECOND/ GREAT WAR/ 1939-1945.’

Multiple plaques on the memorial list the names of workers from various depots, beginning with those lost in the Second World War, then detailing personnel from Arthur Street, Bournbrook & Cotteridge, Highgate Road, Hockley, Kyottts Lake, Miller Street, Witton, and Perry Barr depots. Further plaques recognise staff from Head Office, Moseley Road, Overhead Department, Perment Way Department, Tennant Street Garage, Roseberry Street, Washwood Heath, Liverpool Street, Selly Oak, Tyburn Road, Yardley Wood, and Witton. Civilian members who perished during the Second World War are also commemorated on plaques.

Decorative wrought iron gates provide access to the memorial.