A WAR memorial near Stretton-on-Dunsmore has had its listing upgraded to mark the centenary of the campaign with which it is inexorably linked.
The 29th Division War Memorial at the junction of the A45 and B4455 in Stretton-on-Dunsmore has been upgraded from Grade II to Grade II* on the advice of Historic England, which described it as “probably the most significant single memorial in Britain associated with the Gallipoli Campaign”.
The memorial, which marks the spot where King George V reviewed the men of the 29th Division in 1915 before they embarked for Gallipoli – where they suffered heavy losses – is one of just three nationwide to receive the honour.
This weekend marks the centenary of the Gallipoli Campaign, one of the key anniversaries being marked by national ceremonial events as part of the First World War commemorations.
On Saturday April (25), the occasion will be marked by three commemorative ceremonies in London: a Dawn Service at Hyde Park Corner, a service at The Cenotaph and a service at Westminster Abbey.
Before this there will also be a Commonwealth and Ireland Commemoration Service on Friday (April 24) in Gallipoli, Turkey.
Visit www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/first-world-war-centenary for more information.
The plaque commemorating the 29th Division.
