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Craven Arms
Town or City: Craven Arms
County: Shropshire
Country: England
WMT Reference Number: WM194
Value of grant: £250.00
Type of memorial: Freestanding
Type of work: Conservation and repair
Grant scheme: Small Grants Scheme
Year: 2000
UKNIWM reference number: 13813
The Craven Arms war memorial is made of Holliington stone and represents an infantryman with a rifle. Behind the soldier is the figure of a dolphin representing the sea. There are two symbolic suggestions for the inclusion of the dolphin; firstly that The Kings Shropshire Light Infantry raised in 1755 as the 53rd Regiment of Foot undertook maritime duties in the 7 years war from their Gibraltar base, secondly the tradition in Greek mythology of dolphins carrying heros after death. The memorial stands in the St John the Baptist Churchyard in Stokesay, Craven Arms although it was origianlly erected at the junction of Shrewsbury and Corvedale roads in the town. The Church is near to Stokesay Castle.
In 1999 works were undertaken to conserve the memorial including re-pointing, re-lettering and cleaning. War Memorials Trust contributed £250 towards this project.
The memorial was unveiled on 29 July 1921 by Brigadier General Rotton C.B., C.M.G. and dedicated by the Venerable Archdeacon Lilley. On the 17th October 1999 a rededication service took place at which the Bishop of Hereford, The Rt. Revd. John Oliver re-dedicated the memorial.
The memorial carries the names of the fallen of the First and Second World Wars as well as the names of those of the Parish who served and returned.
Further information
War Memorials Trust reference WM194
UK National Inventory of War Memorials: 13813
If you have a concern about this memorial please contact the Trust on conservation@warmemorials.org