The Armed Forces Memorial remembers over 16,000 service personnel who have lost their lives in conflict or as a result of terrorism since the Second World War. During that period, to date, only one year has seen no service personnel killed whist on active service, 1968.
Their names are recorded on the memorials walls. Names continue to be added. An annual Remembrance service dedicates those lost during the year.
Armed Forces losses since World War 2
Armed Forces Memorial Obelisk and Wreaths National Arboretum
At 11am on 11th November, the sun shines through the space in the memorial walls lighting up the wreath plinth, the shadow of the obelisk point aligned to point at the centre.
Located near Lichfield in Staffordshire, the National Arboretum provides a focus for remembering those who have served in the Armed Forces, particularly the fallen.
It stated purpose is; The National Memorial Arboretum honours the fallen, recognises service and sacrifice and fosters pride in our country.
National Arboretum July 1st 2017
Royal British Legion Poppy Field National Arboretum
As well as the Armed Forces Memorial, the Arboretum also contains over 300 memorials dedicated to specific conflicts, Regiments and organisations. It is also the home of corporate war memorials which companies are unable or unwilling to look after.
49th (West Riding) Division Polar Bears Memorial National Arboretum
In May 1940 the 49th West Riding Division deployed to Iceland which was a vital staging post between the United States and Britain. The Division adopted a Polar Bear standing on a block of ice as their Divisional Flash and this is the basis for the memorial at the Arboretum. The Division remained in Iceland until Christmas 1943, handing over to the American Marines, as the 49th returned to Britain in preparation for Operation Overlord.
The Divisional Artillery included 69 (West Riding) Field Regiment who's lineage can be traced to 269 (West Riding) Battery RA, part of the 101 (Northumbrian) Regiment RA.
Polar Bear Memorial - 49th Divisional Artillery National Arboretum
The links of the Polar Bears to 101 (Northumbrian) Regiment Royal Artillery aslo include the Tyneside Scottish. The TS joined the Division after they were evacuated from Dunkirk, being part of 70th Brigade which included 10th and 11th DLI.
Polar Bear Memorial - 1st Tyneside Scottish (BW) National Arboretum
Tyneside Scottish handing over to American Marines Iceland 1943
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ATS MEMORIAL
AUXILLARY TERRITORIAL FORCE 1938-1949
Formed in February 1938, the ATS - Auxiliary Territorial Service - was the woman's branch of the British Army until it merged into the Woman's Royal Army Corps in 1949.
During the Second World War the woman performed a range of duties including, from 1942 onwards, manning searchlights and anti-aircraft guns of the Royal Artillery.
ATS personnel deployed with the British Expeditionary Force to France in 1940, Home Defence throughout the war and some RA mixed units served in North West Europe in 1944-45.
The Woman's Land Army was first formed during the First World War to allow woman to volunteer to for agricultural work releasing men for the Armed Forces. As the Second World War loomed, the Woman's Land Army was reformed in June 1939. The Land Army Girls were augmented by the formation of the Timber Corps, women being used for felling trees and the making of railway sleepers, telegraph poles and barricades.
Woman's Land Army / Woman's Timber Corps Memorial National Arboretum
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NATIONAL SERVICE MEMORIAL
Conscription was first introduced in Britain in World War One with the passing of the Military Service Act 1916. It was re-introduced on 3rd September 1939 when Britain declared war on Germany. Peacetime conscription was introduced on 1st January 1949, and lasted till 31st December 1960. The last National Serviceman left the Armed Forces in May 1963.
The National Service Memorial commemorates the contribution to the Nation of all those who were conscripted between 1939 and 1960.
For those serving post WW2, their service would seen them in action in Korea, Malaya, Cyprus, Kenya, and the Suez Canal Zone.
Durham Light Infantry Memorial inscription National Arboretum
Durham Light Infantry Memorial National Arboretum
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ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS
The Royal Army Veterinary Corps is tasked with the provision, training and care of animals within the British Army. The Army Veterinary Service was formed in 1796. Since then the Army Vets have performed vital service , the Army relying on it's horses for the cavalry, artillery and transport. Mules, Camels, Elephants, Oxen, Dogs, Pigeons and other animals all being integral to the conducting of military operations.
In memory of those who served supporting the animals of the British Army a memorial was unveiled at the Arboretum by the Princess Royal on 2nd May 2014.
Royal Army Veterinary Corps Memorial National Arboretum
The function of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps today is to support the Army's military working horses (mainly on ceremonial duties), dogs and Regimental mascots.
The Household Division consists of seven Regiments, the Life Guards, Blues and Royals and five Regiments of Foot Guards (Grenadier / Coldstream / Scots / Irish / Welsh). The Household Division function is mainly ceremonial and administrative. The units do have an operational function and have fought with distinction since 1660.
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POLISH FORCES MEMORIAL
Polish Forces Memorial National Arboretum
In September 1939 Nazi German Forces invaded Poland triggering the start of the Second World War. The Polish Army was quickly defeated as the Germans unleashed their Blitzkreig tactics.
Elements of the Polish Forces managed to escape and came under the command of the British directed by the Polish Government in Exile. This included Polish Destroyers and other Naval personnel. Polish squadrons distinguished them selves during the Battle of Britain. Polish Army units were able to form two Corps. Notable actions included the Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy and the Polish 1st Airborne Brigade at Arnhem.
Among those memorials that commemorate civilians is the Railway Industry Memorial. Whilst remembering those lost working on the railways in war and in peacetime, the railways made significant contributions to the Armed Forces, including specialist railway units.
The memorial features a model 8F locomotive mounted on a granite plinth.
Railway Industry Memorial National Arboretum
THE RAILWAY INDUSTRY MEMORIAL
In celebration of the magnificent achievements of the Railway Family who have served the British Isles with great distinction from humble beginnings in the nineteenth century through to the present day.
We specially remember and give thanks for the many thousands of Railway People who have given their lives in times of conflict and peace.
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