This is The Animals in War Memorial in Hyde Park, London sent to us by E in London.
(Credit: The Royal Parks)
The memorial was designed by English sculptor David Backhouse to commemorate the countless animals that have served and died under British military command throughout history. It was unveiled in November 2004 by Princess Anne, the Princess Royal. (Wikipedia)
(Credit: The Animals in War Memorial)
The memorial was inspired by Jilly Cooper's book Animals in War, and was made possible by a specially created fund of £1.4 million from public donations of which Cooper was a co-trustee. The memorial consists of a 55 ft by 58 ft (16.8 m by 17.7 m) curved Portland stone wall: the symbolic arena of war, emblazoned with images of various struggling animals, along with two heavily laden bronze mules progressing up the stairs of the monument, and a bronze horse and bronze dog beyond it looking into the distance. The horse was modelled on a retired Charger from The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery called Ben Bragg. (Wikipedia)
Beneath the main header, Animals in War, the memorial has two separate inscriptions; the first and larger reads:
"This monument is dedicated to all the animals that served and died alongside British and allied forces in wars and campaigns throughout time."
The second, shorter but larger in font inscription simply reads:
"They had no choice."
Upon the rear or outside of the memorial are these words:
"Many and various animals were employed to support British and Allied Forces in wars and campaigns over the centuries, and as a result millions died. From the pigeon to the elephant, they all played a vital role in every region of the world in the cause of human freedom. Their contribution must never be forgotten."
(Credit: The Vintage News/ Photo by Cat Morley-www.
And let’s take a moment to reflect on our wonderful pets who make our lives so much richer. On a personal note - this week our beloved Ruby lost her fight with declining health. She gave dedicated love, care, fun and loyalty to her family (N, S & M of Wheelers Hill) for 13 years.
Run with all the other doggies you beautiful girl.