Downend War Memorial, Bristol: Scouts at War

Available for over a year

Downend has one of only two boy scout war memorials on public land in the country, erected in 1921 in memory of members of the 1st Downend Scout Troop who lost their lives in the Great War. The first name on the memorial is Reverend PG Alexander. Married to the niece of legendary cricketer WG Grace, Philip Alexander was the curate of Christchurch Downend at the start of the 20th Century. In 1909 he founded the Downend Scout Group. When war broke out Rev Alexander joined up and, in 1916, was aboard HMS Hampshire. Also aboard was Lord Kitchener. The ship was sailing near the Orkney Isles and was sunk by a German mine. Only 12 of those on the boat survived. Lord Kitchener and Philip Alexander were amongst those who lost their lives. Location: The Downend War Memorial, Badminton Road, Bristol BS16 6BB Image: The Downend War Memorial