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Animals in War Memorial

The Animals in War Memorial is situated at Brook Gate on Park Lane in Central London. It depicts mules suffering in war, a horse and dog having come through war into peace. A menagerie of animals is depicted on the walls covering all the species involved in conflict. The memorial is constructed of Portland stone and cast bronze.

In 2002 War Memorials Trust gave £500 towards the project, from a gift received specifically for the memorial, as a special grant.

The memorial was designed by sculpture David Backhouse FRBS, RWA, FRSA. The entire project cost in the region of £2 million all raised from voluntary donations by the Animals in War Memorial Foundation, registered charity 1068748.

The Animals in War Memorial was unveiled on Wednesday 24th November 2004 by HRH The Princess Royal Patron of the Animals in War Memorial Foundation which raised the money to erect the memorial dedicated to “all the animals that served, suffered and died alongside the British, Commonwealth and Allied forces in the wars and conflicts of the 20th century.” (Animals in War Memorial website).

In 2009 the Animals in War Memorial Foundation, registered charity 1068748, which had been set up to raise funds “to build a monument to animals in war” was closed as their task has been completed. The small surplus they held was donated to War Memorials Trust and was restricted for use in the Small Grants Scheme to directly protect and conserve war memorials in the UK. A small ceremony took place at the memorial on Thursday 5th February 2009 with Animals in War Memorial Foundation Trustees Major General Peter Davies CB and Dr Andrew Higgins BVetMed handing over a cheque for £24,000 to War Memorials Trust Chairman Algy Cluff.

War Memorials Trust has agreed to take on an oversight role for the Animals in War Memorial website which is a comprehensive source of information on the war memorial at www.animalsinwar.org.uk where you can find details of the history, those involved in the project and stories about some of the animals which inspired the monument. The archive material of the Animals in War Memorial and the Foundation have been donated to the UK National Inventory of War Memorials where it is available to researchers and the general public. For further information on the UK National Inventory of War Memorials visit www.ukniwm.org.uk or telephone 020 7207 9851.

Responsibility for maintenance of the memorial rests with Westminster Council as agreed by the Animals in War Memorial Foundation when the site was established. Any issues with the memorial should be raised with the Council and War Memorials Trust will contact them should anyone raise concerns with us. The main maintenance issue to date has been the nature of Portland stone which in certain conditions will experience natural algae growth which causes a green tinge to the stone — this can be removed by cleaning and Westminster Council will do this as required.

Further information

War Memorials Trust reference: WM376
UK National Inventory of War Memorials: 53495
Animals in War Memorial website

If you have a concern about this memorial please contact the Trust on conservation@warmemorials.org  

Further information

War Memorials Trust reference WM376
UK National Inventory of War Memorials: 53495

If you have a concern about this memorial please contact the Trust on conservation@warmemorials.org

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