The Accrington Pals Memorial Garden, located on Church Street in Accrington, Lancashire, has been transformed into a beautiful public space that serves as a testament to the bravery and sacrifices of the Accrington Pals battalion. The £260,000 project, funded by the government, has been a collaborative effort involving the Town Centre Greening Group, Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum, and the Accrington Pals Commemorative Group, among others.
At the center of the garden is a stunning sculpture of two First World War soldiers, created by garden designer and landscaper John Everiss. The sculpture, crafted at Fitzpatricks in Nelson, is a fitting tribute to the bravery, suffering, and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought and died in the Battle of the Somme. The sculpture is incredibly lifelike, with intricate details and craftsmanship that captures the spirit and bravery of the Accrington Pals.
The Accrington Pals battalion was formed in 1914, with four 250-strong companies, including men from Accrington and nearby East Lancashire towns. The battalion fought in the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916, and suffered heavy casualties, with 585 of its men becoming casualties, including 235 killed and 350 wounded, in just half an hour. The battle was one of the bloodiest in British military history, and the Accrington Pals were among the many units that suffered heavy losses.
Speaking at the ceremony to unveil the sculpture, the mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Mike Booth, paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Accrington Pals. “This incredibly lifelike piece is a fitting contribution to the bravery, suffering, and sacrifice of so many soldiers from East Lancashire,” he said. “These brave men came from Accrington, but also from the townships and villages of Hyndburn, and they were joined by those from Blackburn, Burnley, Chorley, Ribble Valley, and Rossendale who answered Lord Kitchener’s call, ‘Your country needs you’.”
Cllr Booth also acknowledged the 70 or so men from the East Yorkshire battalions who were transferred into the Accrington Pals for the big push. “They fought and died alongside the Accrington Pals, and are listed as told and recorded by the late historian Bill Turner, who wrote their story,” he said. Turner’s book, “The Accrington Pals: A History of the 11th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment”, is a detailed account of the battalion’s history and the men who served in it.
The ceremony was attended by civic dignitaries, members of the Royal British Legion, and people from across the borough. Guests were invited to place a wreath in the memorial garden and prayers were said to remember those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice during all wars. The atmosphere was somber and reflective, with many attendees visibly moved by the sculpture and the story it tells.
Artist John Everiss, who created the sculpture, said it was a “very moving experience” to make a sculpture for something so profound as the story of the Accrington Pals. “As a sculptor, it’s actually something of an honour to be involved with this project,” he said. “I hope this is something really quite special for the town of Accrington.”
Cath Holmes, chair of Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum and member of the Accrington Pals Commemorative Group, praised the sculpture, saying it was “a powerful and moving tribute to the Accrington Pals. John Everiss has captured the spirit and bravery of our Pals in a way that is both poignant and inspiring.” Holmes was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition, and her dedication and perseverance were instrumental in ensuring that the garden was completed to a high standard.
Portfolio holder for culture, heritage, parks, and open spaces, Kimberley Whitehead, thanked all those involved in the project, including the Town Centre Greening Group, who had been integral to the project. “The garden is a beautiful public space, and the sculpture is very moving,” she said. “I’d like to thank all those involved, including John, George, and the team at Fitzpatricks, who have done our Pals and town proud.”
The Accrington Pals Memorial Garden is now a fitting tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought and died in the Battle of the Somme. The garden is a beautiful public space that serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring those who have served and sacrificed for their country. The sculpture is a powerful and moving tribute to the Accrington Pals, and it is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought and died in the Battle of the Somme.
The garden is also a reminder of the importance of preserving our history and remembering the sacrifices of those who have come before us. The Accrington Pals were just one of many units that fought and died in the Battle of the Somme, and their story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war. The garden is a fitting tribute to their bravery and sacrifice, and it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Accrington Pals.
In conclusion, the Accrington Pals Memorial Garden is a beautiful public space that serves as a testament to the bravery and sacrifices of the Accrington Pals battalion. The sculpture is a powerful and moving tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in the Battle of the Somme, and it is a reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring those who have served and sacrificed for their country. The garden is a fitting tribute to the Accrington Pals, and it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the soldiers who fought and died in the Battle of the Somme.