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

The Chesham War Memorial, unveiled in 1921 and designed by sculptor Arthur George Walker, is a significant tribute located on a traffic island on The Broadway. The memorial features a life-size statue of a British infantryman made of Portland stone, depicted in full battle dress, carrying a backpack and additional kit, standing at ease with both hands resting on the muzzle of his rifle.

The statue is mounted on a tall pedestal that rests on a square base. To the south of the pedestal are two tapering Portland stone pillars set on square bases, which bear the names of those who fell in the Second World War. The pedestal itself has relief panels on its sides; the western panel shows a naval gun crew, while the eastern panel depicts a group of pilots around a biplane. The names of the deceased are inscribed on six bronze panels attached to the front (south) and rear (north) of the pedestal. The central panels on each side feature arched tops adorned with laurel wreaths, with the front panel enclosing a Latin cross and the rear panel displaying the dates 1914 - 1918. The front central panel carries 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 listed alphabetically, without rank or indication of service or regiment.

Surrounding the memorial is a garden area defined by a stone kerb and a low chain link fence suspended on wooden posts.