North Eastern Railway War Memorial

The North Eastern Railway War Memorial: A Monument to Remember

Imagine standing in the heart of York, northern England, and gazing upon a towering obelisk that stands as a silent sentinel, bearing witness to the sacrifices made by railway employees during the First World War. This is the North Eastern Railway War Memorial, a poignant reminder of those who left their jobs to fight and never returned.

Design and Controversy

The memorial was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, a renowned architect known for his work on numerous war memorials. However, the journey to its unveiling was not without controversy. The North Eastern Railway released over 18,000 employees to serve during the war, with 2,236 men losing their lives overseas. After the war, thousands of memorials were built across Britain, including those designed by Lutyens himself.

But why was there controversy? Was it just about the size and location of the memorial, or did something more complex lie beneath the surface?

A Monument to Remember: The Design

The North Eastern Railway War Memorial is a masterpiece in its own right. It features an obelisk rising from a three-tiered pedestal within a screen wall. Atop this, you’ll find a Stone of Remembrance with 2,236 names inscribed on panels, as well as 15 slates bearing the names of LNER’s 551 dead from WWII. The dedication is inscribed on the rear part of the screen wall, and the obelisk rises to a total height of 54 feet.

But how did this design come about? In February 1922, Dr William Evelyn criticized the NER’s proposed memorial, which Lutyens dismissed in a cable. The City War Memorial Committee and representatives met with Charles Reed Peers to discuss their scheme, eventually approving it after Lutyens submitted revised designs.

Unveiling and Legacy

The North Eastern Railway War Memorial was finally constructed after the Ancient Monuments Board approved Lutyens’ modified design. It was unveiled by Field Marshal Herbert Plumer at a ceremony on June 14, 1924. The dedication included speeches from Edward Grey, Sir Ralph Wedgwood, and other officials, followed by the ‘Last Post’ and a two-minute silence.

Restoration work was carried out in the 1980s with funding from British Rail to ensure its preservation for future generations. Despite ongoing erosion, the memorial’s names were recorded in a book held by the National Railway Museum instead of being re-carved.

A National Collection

The North Eastern Railway War Memorial is now part of a national collection of Lutyens’ war memorials, alongside others such as the Great Eastern Railway War Memorial at London Liverpool Street station and the Great Western Railway War Memorial at London Paddington station. These memorials stand not just as tributes to those who served but also as testaments to the enduring legacy of Sir Edwin Lutyens.

As we stand before this monument, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by railway employees during the First World War and the importance of remembering their service. The North Eastern Railway War Memorial is more than just a piece of stone; it is a living testament to those who gave their lives for our nation.

So, the next time you find yourself in York, take a moment to reflect on this powerful memorial. It serves as a reminder of our shared history and the importance of remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.