Peterborough City and County Citizen's War Memorial

Peterborough City and County Citizen's War Memorial

Peterborough City and County Citizen's War Memorial

This memorial was originally constructed in what was known as Central Park, now known as Confederation Park on George Street in Peterborough, Ontario. This site was selected because of its central location and more importantly, as a sentiment to the fact that many of the soldiers started and returned at that location, on their "great adventure".

It was constructed as a "token of the community's grateful memory" of the Peterborough men who gave their lives in World War I, II and the Korean Conflict.

Peterborough City and County Citizen's War Memorial

To the left and forward in this photo, is the Angel of Mercy (Peace) with an out-stretched arm (not visible), palm up, indicating stop. The right arm is to the side with the sword pointing down to the ground. This could mean "Advance no further, I stand for Peace.

The far Angel of Death throws back head and covers eyes in shame, and drops sword. This is an interpretation only. On the 1979 plaques the carved names have become illegible over the ten years.

On December 11, 1920, the first meeting of the Citizen's Memorial Committee was held. They called a public meeting of all citizens on December 17th, 1920. During this meeting, a design by Walter S. Allward was submitted and approved and the committee passed a resolution pledging citizens to assist in the erection of the memorial.

Walter S. Allward was educated at Dufferin School and Central Technical School and as a sculptor was self-taught. He had the honor of being chosen by the Canadian Government to execute the Vimy Ridge Memorial in France. Since this interfered with the Peterborough contract, Allward secured the assistance of an eminent English sculptor, Mr. Bayes, to assist in carrying out the original design and completing the contract.

On October 10, 1927, the tender of Creber Brothers for the granite work of the memorial was accepted while the committee was still securing a complete list of the war dead of Peterborough. Excavation began and the cement work started on May 28, 1928. The unveiling and dedication was held on June 30, 1929.


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