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Royal Naval Division War Memorial, Horse Guards Parade, London

A solemn Lutyens-designed fountain and obelisk memorial honoring the Royal Naval Division’s WWI sacrifices on historic Horse Guards Parade.

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The Royal Naval Division War Memorial, located on Horse Guards Road in central London, is a distinguished First World War monument designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Unveiled in 1925 to honor the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division's fallen, it uniquely combines an obelisk with a fountain. The memorial has a complex history, having been moved during WWII and later reinstalled near its original site, symbolizing the valor and sacrifice of naval personnel who fought as soldiers during the Gallipoli campaign and beyond.

A brief summary to Royal Naval Division War Memorial

  • Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2PA, GB
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 8 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-8 pm
  • Friday 8 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on April 25 to coincide with the Gallipoli anniversary, when commemorative events often take place.
  • Explore nearby Horse Guards Parade and Admiralty buildings to appreciate the memorial’s historic setting.
  • Combine your visit with other military memorials in central London for a comprehensive remembrance experience.
  • Observe the detailed carvings and fountain elements designed by Lutyens and Eric Broadbent for artistic insight.
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Getting There

  • London Underground

    Take the Westminster or St James's Park stations, both about a 10-15 minute walk from Horse Guards Parade. Stations are served by multiple lines including Jubilee, District, and Circle. Tickets cost £2.50-£6 depending on zones and travelcard options.

  • Bus

    Several London bus routes stop near Horse Guards Road, including routes 11, 24, 148, and 211. Buses run frequently throughout the day with fares starting at £1.65 with an Oyster or contactless card.

  • Walking

    From Trafalgar Square or Westminster, walking to the memorial takes approximately 10-15 minutes on mostly flat, paved streets suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Royal Naval Division War Memorial location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Royal Naval Division War Memorial

Origins and Commemoration of the Royal Naval Division

The Royal Naval Division War Memorial commemorates the members of the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division who lost their lives during the First World War. This division was unique in that it comprised naval personnel who fought as infantry soldiers, notably suffering heavy casualties during the Gallipoli campaign in 1915. The memorial was commissioned by former members of the division, led by Brigadier-General Arthur Asquith, to honor the sacrifice and distinguished service of these men. It stands as a poignant reminder of the naval forces’ contribution to land battles during the war.

Design by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Symbolic Elements

Designed by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, the memorial takes the unusual form of a fountain integrated with an obelisk, blending commemorative sculpture with functional design. The fountain is connected to the balustrade of the Admiralty Extension building, symbolizing the link between the naval heritage and the land forces. Carvings by Eric Broadbent adorn the structure, adding artistic detail that enhances its solemnity. Lutyens’ design reflects both the gravity of loss and the enduring spirit of those commemorated.

Unveiling and Early History

The memorial was unveiled on April 25, 1925, exactly ten years after the Gallipoli landings, by Major-General Sir Archibald Paris, the division’s first commanding officer. Winston Churchill, who was instrumental in creating the division, delivered a speech praising the memorial and the division’s record. Initially placed on Horse Guards Parade, the memorial became a focal point for remembrance of the Royal Naval Division’s sacrifices.

Relocation and Preservation During and After WWII

In 1939, with the construction of the Admiralty Citadel, the memorial was dismantled and moved into storage to protect it from wartime damage. It was kept first at a stone masonry yard in Nine Elms and later at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. After the war, the Ministry of Works decided the memorial could not return to its original site. Following advocacy by the Royal Naval Division Association, it was re-erected in 1951 in the grounds of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, where it remained relatively obscure for decades.

Return to Horse Guards Parade and Current Significance

After the closure of the Royal Naval College in the late 1990s, a campaign successfully relocated the memorial back to Horse Guards Parade, its original vicinity, where it was unveiled again in 2003. Situated in the north-western corner near the Admiralty Citadel and the Old Admiralty Building, it stands as a solemn and historic landmark. The memorial continues to honor the bravery and sacrifice of the Royal Naval Division, serving as a place of reflection and remembrance in the heart of London.

Architectural and Cultural Context

The memorial is Grade II* listed, recognizing its architectural and historic importance. Its location on Horse Guards Parade places it among other significant military and naval monuments, contributing to the rich commemorative landscape of central London. The fountain’s design by Lutyens, famed for his war memorials, adds to the cultural heritage, blending artistry with remembrance. The memorial also symbolizes the unique naval infantry role during WWI, bridging naval and land military histories.

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