Archive Council News

15.09.04

Royal Welch Fusiliers Memorial Returns to Bodhyfryd

The Royal Welch Fusiliers War Memorial which was removed for refurbishment in June has now been returned to Bodhyfryd.

The sculpture had fallen into serious disrepair and urgent steps were needed to repair the damage and preserve it for future generations. The main problem was the original foundry process which caused rusting and expansion leading to fractures on the outside of the sculpture.

Sculptor, Designer, Bronze Founder and Restorer Andy Mitchell was chosen to restore the Memorial and completed the work on time for the Royal Welch Fusiliers Comrades' Association Reunion Weekend.

Andy said:

"It was very sad to see such a fine statue in such a state of decline. Unfortunately, due to the poor processes used after the First World War there are many similar examples throughout the UK. Wrexham Council has had the foresight to restore their memorial and with minimum maintenance the memorial should endure for many, many years."

The Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr David Rogers said:

"I am very pleased that Wrexham Council has been able to help with the restoration of such an important sculpture. The area where it stands has also undergone a tidy up and I know residents and Royal Welch Fusiliers Comrades have been very impressed with the completed works."

Major Arthur Ellingham of the Royal Welch Fusiliers said:

"The memorial looks magnificent and I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Royal Welch Fusiliers to thank Wrexham Council for their efforts in ensuring the work could take place and Andy Mitchell for his superb craftmanship in his restoration of the statue."

The sculpture stands as a memorial to the 10,000 officers and men of the Royal Welch Fusiliers who were killed or died in the First World War and to those RWF soldiers who have died during conflicts since. It was originally unveiled in 1924 and the figures represent an 18th century Fusilier passing the Colours into the hands of his 20th century counterpart.

It was designed and cast by Welsh sculptor, Sir William Goscombe John and originally stood at the corner of Grosvenor Road and Regent Street. It was moved to its present site in the mid 60's due to increased volumes of traffic in the Grosvenor Road area.