Home Guard War Memorial affixed to triangulation pillar at Merryton Low

The building is a Home Guard War Memorial affixed to a concrete triangulation pillar at Merryton Low. The memorial was erected in 1946, following a campaign by Mr Frederick Adams, former Officer Commanding of the 5th Leek (Staffs) Battalion Home Guard. The moorland site was used for training during the Second World War by both the regular army and the Home Guard.

The memorial comprises a concrete triangulation pillar to which a bronze plaque is affixed on its west face. The plaque bears the inscription “5TH STAFFS / LEEK BATTALION / HOME GUARD / “C” COMPANY / ROLL OF HONOUR / WORLD WAR 1939 - 1945” in Roman font. Below this is a list, in Metro font, of four members of the Leek Home Guard who subsequently served with the armed forces and were killed in action, with their rank and regiment recorded. Staffordshire Knots are positioned at each corner of the plaque.

The triangulation pillar itself is one of the first wave built during the Retriangulation of Britain, constructed between 1936 and 1962. It belongs to the unprefixed 2900 series.

The memorial is designated at Grade II for its unusual dedication to four members of the Leek Home Guard who went on to serve in the regular army and died in action, including theatres of war such as Monte Cassino and Normandy. Its prominent location on Merryton Low takes advantage of the commanding position overlooking the Peak District National Park, reflecting both its association with the local community and the landscape used for Home Guard training. The memorial is considered a simple yet evocative tribute to the fallen.