Boer War memorial in city to honour recent fallen heroes

But now Hull’s Boer War Memorial looks set to be rededicated to remember servicemen from more recent conflicts.

The city-centre memorial which takes the form of two soldiers – one trying to rescue his fallen comrade – has been adopted in recent months by people laying tributes to soldiers who have died in Afghanistan, including most recently Pte Gregg Stone, from Atwick, near Hornsea, who was shot dead during a daring rescue mission earlier this month.

The plan is to install two bronze plaques and rededicate the memorial, which would commemorate all those who have died since 1945, this Armistice Day. The inscription will include a quote from the Hull poet and MP Andrew Marvell: “Fame in every place her trumpet blows, and tells the world how much to you it owes.”

Seven veterans groups have backed the move, including British Korean Veterans, Burma Star Association, Normandy Veterans Association, Royal Tank Regiment Association.

A report to Hull Council’s civic committee recommends spending £2,000 on the rededication.

It explains that the memorial became a focal point when the Cenotaph had hoarding put up around it while it was being cleaned.

City archivist Martin Taylor, who drew up the report, said: “I think it is quite touching that people have adopted the Boer War Memorial as a means of commemorating current victims. If we don’t keep these memorials relevant they will become little more than civic archaeology.”