A MEMORIAL to those from Birkenhead who gave their lives during the First World War will be unveiled by Prince Edward on Monday.

Cllr Jim Crabtree decided to create the eight foot structure following a recent meeting of Birkenhead Lions Club at the British Legion’s branch in Park Road.

The statue, which shows a stylised iron cross, will be mounted on a granite plinth and situated in the premises back garden.

It is due to be unveiled by Prince Edward, during a ceremony at 12.30pm on Monday.

Cllr Crabtree, who represents Birkenhead North ward told the Globe: "When we had the meeting at the legion I thought it was a shame that there was no permanent memorial to World War One on the premises, so I wanted to do something about it.

"I was delighted when the legion asked if we could make something.

"I had no idea what to make. I was sitting at home watching a war film when the idea for the cross came to me.”

The statue was constructed by Sullivan Engineering in Wallasey.

It stands on a slab of granite that was found in a reclamation yard in Tarvin, Cheshire.

Cllr Crabtree, who is president of Birkenhead Lions and a horticultural lecturer at Wirral Vocational College in Seacombe, said: "My granddad fought in the Somme and I’d heard horrific stories of what the soldiers lived through.

"The statue, when finished will be a lasting tribute to those who gave their lives."

Chairman of the British Legion's Birkenhead branch, Tanya Cawood said: "I am delighted with what Jim has done for the legion.

"He's always been very supportive of the legion and when I mentioned to him some years ago that there was no memorial here, he promised to help out.

"I'm so pleased that his plan is finally coming to fruition."

 

Wirral Globe: Woodland Trust