Chesham War Memorial, including the surrounding stone kerb and outer fence

War memorial unveiled in 1921, designed by the sculptor Arthur George Walker.

MATERIALS AND PLAN: Portland stone statue and plinth standing on a square base with later Portland stone pillars to the front.

Located on a traffic island on The Broadway, the memorial faces south and takes the form of a life-size statue of a British infantryman. The figure is depicted in full battle dress, carrying a backpack and with additional kit slung from his belt. The figure stands at ease resting both hands on the muzzle of his rifle.

DESCRIPTION: the statue is mounted on a tall pedestal resting on a square base. It is flanked to the south by a pair of tapering Portland stone pillars set on square bases and bearing the names of the fallen of the Second World War. The pedestal bears relief panels on the sides. The western panel depicts a naval gun crew, while that on the east depicts a group of pilots surrounding a biplane. The names of the dead are recorded on six bronze panels mounted on the front (south) and rear (north) of the pedestal. The centre panels on each face have arched tops bearing laurel wreaths, the front enclosing a Latin cross and the rear the dates 1914 - 1918. The front central panel bears the inscription: ‘TO THE/ GLORIOUS MEMORY/ OF THE MEN OF/ THIS TOWN WHO/ GAVE THEIR LIVES/ AND TO HONOUR/ ALL WHO SERVED/ OR SUFFERED IN/ THE CAUSE OF GOD/ KING AND COUNTRY/ THEIR DEEDS LIVE AFTER THEM/ FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH/ 1914 – 1918’. The 185 names are arranged alphabetically without rank or arm of service/regiment.

SUBSIDIARY FEATURES: a garden area around the monument is defined by a stone kerb, and a low chain link fence suspended on wooden posts.

This List entry has been amended to add the source for War Memorials Online. This source was not used in the compilation of this List entry but is added here as a guide for further reading, 11 January 2017.