South African War Memorial, Cardiff

The South African War Memorial, also known as the Boer War Memorial, is a war memorial in Cardiff, Wales. It was erected in 1908 and unveiled by General Sir John French on 20 November 1909 to honour the victims of the Second Boer War. It is a Grade II* listed structure.[1]

South African War Memorial
Boer War Memorial
Cardiff Council
For Welsh soldiers who fought in the Second Boer War
Established1908
Unveiled20 November 1909 [1]
Locationnear 
Designed byAlbert Toft
TO THE MEMORY
OF THE WELSHMEN WHO FELL IN SOUTH AFRICA
1899–1902
ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION
Then a list of 817 names with the rank, regiment, forename, manner of death and decorations.
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameSouth African War Memorial
Designated25 January 1966
Reference no.13745 (Cadw)

Design

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The memorial was sculpted by the English sculptor, Albert Toft.[1] It stands at the south end of Edward VII Avenue, between the Cardiff Crown Court and City Hall in Cathays Park and is the centre of a U bend in the cul-de-sac. It was moved to its present location in the 1970s.[2]

Statues on the memorial
Peace
Grief
War and courage

The memorial consists of a bronze winged figure of peace holding an uprooted olive tree and standing on an orb, mounted on Portland Stone plinth with granite steps. On each corner stands metal lampstands with glass globe. It has two figures, a seated male figure (representing war and courage), on the western side (left of the main inscription), holding a sword & leaning on a shield. A seated female figure (representing grief) on the eastern side (right of the main inscription), holding a wreath and also leaning on a shield. The memorial is dedicated to "Welshmen" who served in a variety of units during the war.

Inscriptions

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See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b c Cadw. "South African War Memorial, Castle (Grade II*) (13745)". National Historic Assets of Wales. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  2. ^ "Cardiff South African War Memorial, Cathays Park (32834)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
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51°29′04″N 3°10′45″W / 51.4845°N 3.1791°W / 51.4845; -3.1791