Statue to Songster, Loughborough’s very own War Horse.
One of the oldest and most decorated horses, Songster was a chestnut gelding with a blond mane, and an indomitable spirit who was lucky enough to survive the First World War and go on to become a local celebrity.
Songster was drafted into the Leicestershire Yeomanry in 1914 despite being of small stature and of an advanced age for a warhorse. His intelligence and bravery however made up for this, as it kept him and his rider, Trooper Bert Main from Loughborough, alive for the duration of the war.
Songster was brought back to England in 1919. He was traced by Burt Main to an auction, where he was bought by ex-squadron Sgt Major Harry Poole.
After the war, Songster had a happy and long life and was cared for by Sgt Major Harry Poole at his farm in Woodhouse Eaves. He became a popular figure in the community, famously drawing a local milk cart into Loughborough Market every week and stopping off to join Harry and his Yeomanry pals for a pint at the Old Boot Hotel.
Songster died peacefully in 1940 at the farm and was buried with full military honours and all the medal ribbons he’d earned during service. Today a plaque lies at the site bearing his name.
Thank you for your views, comments and favs on yesterday’s offering. Much appreciated.
It is a lovely sculpture. I had never heard of this horse or its link with the Loughborough area. I do have a picture of my grandad on a horse during WW1. So we have our own link. Nicely captured.
https://365project.org/gardenfolk/365/2019-07-13