Summary
First World War memorial erected in commemoration of the men of Deptford who lost their lives during the Great War. Those who fell during the Second World War are also commemorated.
Reasons for Designation
Deptford War Memorial is designated at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* Historical interest: as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by this community in both World Wars, and subsequent conflicts, it is of strong historic and cultural significance both at a local and a national level.
* Artistic interest: the monument has a handsome composition, and is enhanced by the strong artistic quality of the figurative carving.
History
Deptford war memorial was commissioned by the Metropolitan Borough of Deptford in 1919 to commemorate The Fallen of Deptford. It was designed by William Richards of Brockley, and the sculpted figures are by WW Wagstaff of Kingston-upon-Thames; the memorial was unveiled in July 1921 by Major General Sir Charles Townshend. It was erected as part of the memorial gardens, which were laid out by the Borough Council in the years following the end of the war.
Details
The memorial stands at the north end of the memorial gardens, which run alongside Lewisham Way. The memorial is of Portland stone, and takes the form of a tapering octagonal column surmounted by a carved flame, standing on a square pedestal and base. The cornice of the pedestal forms a segmental arch over each face. Against the east and west faces of the pedestal, standing on raised tablets, lean the carved figure of a soldier (to the east) and a sailor (to the west). The hands of the figures rest on the stocks of their up-turned guns; their heads are slightly bowed.
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