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American Memorial Weymouth

Prominently located on the promenade The Esplanade, Weymouth the grade II listed American war memorial is constructed of Portland stone. It comprises a two tier octagonal pedestal topped by a stone base inset with decorative bronze grilles to four of the sides, carrying a pillar constructed in two stages. Atop the memorial is an electric glass lantern with leaded lights. The lantern is never extinguished.

The east facing panel of the pedestal has a bronze plaque which formed part of the original design of the memorial. On the other faces are later stone plaques commemorating the involvement and sacrifice of the American troops during World War II.

In 2011 a grant was awarded of £10,630 from the Grants for War Memorials scheme. This award was for necessary structural works to the war memorial. The need for these works had become apparent following a structural survey of the war memorial. This report noted the corrosion of the supporting and embedded concrete encased steel structure. This problem is likely to have been exasperated by the coastal location and had resulted in the stone sections being pushed upwards. These works were completed in time for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as part of the regeneration initiatives for the area as hosts of the sailing events and a final grant of £10,530 was paid.

During the works to the war memorial it was ensured that the lantern remained lit so as it continued to act as a constant beacon of remembrance.

The memorial commemorates the American servicemen who passed through Weymouth to the beaches of Normandy in the Second World War and was unveiled on 3 December 1947.
The architect is recorded on the memorial as G.C Wilkins.

Further information

War Memorials Trust reference WM1885
UK National Inventory of War Memorials: 48415

War Memorials Online 76625

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

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