Hazeley Down War Memorial

Standing on Hazeley Down, this war memorial is dedicated to local battalions who served in the First World War. There was a large camp here at one point – Hazeley Down Camp – which saw battalions from both Britain and other nations stationed here.

As a memorial to the many dead, such memorials – usually called “war memorials” in English – are still very important today. “Now, Lord, you let your servant depart in peace, as you have said...” says the so-called “Hymn of Simeon” (Luke’s Gospel, Chapter 2, Verse 29). However, the people commemorated here did not depart in peace, but became victims of war and tyranny. This is why the term “dead soldiers’ memorial” is now sometimes used in German instead of the previously most common “war memorial”.However, such a war memorial, which one encounters so often on the road, regardless of nationality, language and name, is always a testimony to the horror of war and tyranny – still significant and current today. They all have two essential functions, and this is renewed for each generation:-1- Commemorate and remember the victims-2- Remind people to keep the peace