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    © Imperial War Museums 2026

    Memorial

    Greenock

    Overview of the memorial site

    Source: Copyright Rev. Alan Sorensen

    1/9

    Current Location

    Well Park, Regent Street, Greenock, Inverclyde, PA15 4AA, Scotland

    OS Grid Reference

    NS 28032 75975

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    © WMR-2782

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    Type of Memorial
    Cenotaph
    WMR Reference Number
    2782
    Description
    Tall obelisk on square pedestal. A winged female figure holding a wreath aloft stands above a projecting prow of a viking ship on the front face. Four bronze chains attached to stone blocks 'anchor' the ship to the ground on either side. Carved celtic cross on the main face of the obelisk. Carved frieze of celtic design around the lower section of the obelisk and upper edge of the pedestal. At the top of the obelisk is a Celtic cross, on the face of which is a Scottish two-handed sword. The carved ornament on the Memorial is of celtic style and animal forms have been freely used, each part having a definite and appropriate motif. On the Cross-The Fields of Battle- Right arm: A Fish for the Sea; Left Arm: A Dog for the Land; Upper Arm: An Eagle for the Air; The Stem: A double Dragon rising from the sign of War (a triskele). On the Obelisk- Four Panels illustrating the Dragon of War with the Nation in its toils wrestling for victory. Surrounding the Base- On the Southward face, flanking the ship's prow, the motifs for 1914-1918 with an interlacing laurel wreath, and the Scottish Lion couchant. The other faces have the names of the Fields of War separated by motifs appropriate to them: France- A Cock Italy-A Papal Eagle Gallipoli- A Star and Crescent Palestine- A Cross Mesopotamia- Nerjal the Babylonian War God, and Nin the Fish God (for the Tigris) Flanders-The Flanders Lion Falklands- A Sheep Jutland- A Dolphin (for the North Sea) and the Danish Raven Zeebrugge- A Ship The Bronze Chain Palls-These bear the Cross of St Andrew, and on the railheads the Scottish Lion. The ornament illustrates the history of Scottish shipbuilding The Galley-A warship of the Dragon Class. These are the Tenth Century equivalents of our modern ships of the line, and their earlier prototypes taught the Romans how to build for Northern Waters. The Galley used is based on the Gokstad Ship.
    Inscription
    AD MAJORAM DEI GLORIAM/AND IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE OF/ THE MEN OF GREENOCK/WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE (GREAT WAR?)
    War
    First World War (1914-1918)
    Additional Information
    The names are in 'A memorial record of men in Greenock who fell in the Great War, 1914-1918, 51 pages, published by the Memorial Committee in 1924, available in local libraries
    Maker(s)
    • Messrs Wright & Wylie, Architect

    • MR ALEXANDER PROUDFOOT ARSA RSA, Sculptor

    • MESSERS MATTHEW MUIR AND CO, Builder

    Maintenance History
    2011: The remaining bronze chains were stolen between the 7 and 8th February 2010: Thieves stole one of the bronze chains. The council are stepping up security by installing gates at the bottom of the park and not allowing vehicles into the park overnight.

    Ceremonies

    Unveiled

    4 October 1924

    Sir Hugh Shaw Stewart, Bart., C.B. - Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire

    Dedicated

    4 October 1924

    Rev. W. J. Nichol Service B.D. Minister of West Parish Greenock.

    Components

    Obelisk

    Made from: Stone


    Condition: Good


    Figure

    Made from: Bronze


    Condition: Good


    Detail

    Made from: Bronze


    Condition: Stolen


    • http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=328&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0&mforum=warmemscot
    • Unveiling and Dedication of Greenock War Memorial - 4 October 1924 - Copy in IWM Library - K3815
    • Greenock Telegraph 16 June 2010; 10 February 2011
    • Inverclyde Now 10 February 2011
    • A Memorial Record of the Men of Greenock who fell in the Great War, 1914-1918 - Published by the War Memorial Committee Copy held by Greenock Public Libraries - R 6888 - L.C.940.3, published 1924, 52 pages
    • Carter Postcard Collection