Poignant Silhouette installed in Broughton Astley

Harborough District Council has installed the striking metal figure next to the War Memorial in Frolesworth Road, Broughton Astley.

It is anticipated that two more silhouettes will be installed by the war memorial, funded by the parish council and Broughton Alive, as well as a World War I bench in the village centre funded by the district and parish councils. A World War II, bench funded by the parish council, will also be installed in the village.

The sculpture depicts a ‘Tommy’ – an informal term for a soldier in the British Army – who stands thoughtfully, head bowed, rifle in hand, as he reflects upon the sheer horror of World War I as peace is declared in 1918.

Cllr Neil Bannister, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “I was proud to be associated with the provision by Harborough District Council of this WWI silhouette for the residents of Broughton Astley. It is vitally important we recall the great sacrifices made during the War and this ‘there but not there’ silhouette is a moving reminder. I thank the parish of Broughton Astley for agreeing to have this commemorative piece in their Memorial Gardens to mark the anniversary of the ending of the Great War 100 years ago.”

Cllr Colin Porter, vice chairman of Broughton Astley Parish Council, said: “This silhouette is particularly thought-provoking and I’m sure it will remind people of the local soldiers who gave their lives. I’m looking forward to the other silhouettes being installed; it will be especially poignant during the annual memorial service held there.”

The installation is part of the district council’s plans to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One, as well as the anniversary of 1918 Representation of the People Act which, for the first time, gave women the right to vote.

World War I lasted from 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918. More than 70 million military personnel, including people from the Harborough district, were mobilised in one of the largest wars in history. Over nine million combatants and seven million civilians died as a result of the war.

Other plans, as part of the commemorations, include naming streets after those who fought in the 1914-1918 war and/or women who fought for the right to vote, and an art installation.

Pictured: (l-r) Alan Row, Gerald Brown, Colin Porter of Broughton Astley Parish Council, Debbie Barber parish clerk, Colin Golding and Neil Bannister Leader of Harborough District Council