Our war memorial 'Coming Home' was cast by R. Tait Mackenzie in 1922 and is a work of genius. He stands in the middle of Hills Road and is striding purposefully into the town while looking back towards the railway station, contemplating his comrades who will not return. It commemorates men from the wider region, the city and the University. The Colleges, being almost entirely comprised of young men were decimated in the first world war. Being mostly rich and well educated these boys were made junior officers and had the honour of leading the men 'over the top', blowing whistles, waving batons and surviving for a frighteningly short time.
He causes a certain degree of congestion and there are plans to move him backwards to sit at the entrance to the Botanic Garden behind but personally I think his position and the movement of people and traffic around him adds enormously to his impact. I'll post a close up in my Extras album. http://365project.org/judithg/extras/2011-11-14
I passed him quite a few times when I rode my bike to the station ;). I never contemplated his position though but it all makes sense now. I love how you captured the walkers behind him who don't have a care in the world.
A wonderful memorial to the ones who did not return. I love the name of it & the detail & inscription very moving & I love your write up & information !
