This spectacular display of model soldiers in shrouds was lined up outside College Green, near Bristol Cathedral today and will be there for several days.
A Somerset artist, Rob Heard, modelled these soldiers individually meaning that each one is unique and then he hand wrapped them in silk shrouds. This took him two years to complete.
Just under 20,000 men were ticked from a list of soldier conscripts and volunteers who fell on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, World War 1.
It is mind blowing to think this number of men were slaughtered on the first day of the Somme. Many more would follow.
We must never forget the great sacrifice that was made then and in all the wars since, so that you and I could have our freedom.
A very humbling thought.
11 comments:
The artist was so dedicated to have completed this wonderful project! We will remember them.
We will never forget our veterans....
A great memorial to a terrible day in The Great War
Reminded me of the terracotta soldiers - not the same obviously - but a similar recognition.
Cathy @ Still Waters
We shall not forget them and such slaughter was uneccessary and entirely due to our very bad generals. I have been studying this battle and it seems that our artillery was using the wrong shells to break the barbed wire after no man's land. Our men were told to walk towards the enemy slowly and in a straight line and were mowed down by waiting machine guns. They had to carry heavy kit which slowed them down. Poor lads and what a waste.
Terrible day, great project. Thanks for the photos.
NEVER AGAIN WAR
I am always moved by the way people show their empathy towards such a tragic time of remembrance xxx
The soldiers in shrouds certainly brings it home to you more than poppies do about just how many were killed in one day. I think WW1 had more deaths than any war before or since. Just wish we could learn from our mistakes instead of repeating them.
I saw this installation reported in the newspaper and I was intrigued. I am so glad you posted about it. What an amazing piece of work, to make all those soldiers and then the shrouds too. I hope that my little grandchildren will never have to face a war. Remembrance Day is so important.
That is an amazing display, and it certainly makes you stop and think more than a display of poppies or flags would. Veterans were honored here, too, on November 11. It was particuarly timely this year coming just a few days after our election; I think we all needed something to make us pause and reflect--gratitude for those who have preserved our freedom is one thing we can all agree on.
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