Bradford to receive UK’s second Commonwealth war memorial

The first Commonwealth war memorial outside London was opened in Bradford.

On Wednesday, soldiers from former British colonies who fought in World Wars I and II were honored at the monument.

It was installed next to the Bradford Cenotaph and “will be a lasting tribute to the bravery of Commonwealth soldiers, offering a space for reflection and unity.”

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councilor Bev Mullaney, led the ceremony along with the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson, a Commonwealth Office representative and war veteran.

Mullaney said: “It is incredibly important for us as a city and area to recognize and remember the service and sacrifices of those who contributed to the UK war effort from Commonwealth countries.”

Councilor Joan Dodds, Bradford Council’s Armed Forces Champion, added: “This is a significant day for Bradford as we open the first Commonwealth War Memorial outside London.

“This will be an important place for all communities to come together in our memorial garden and remember the sacrifices made by Commonwealth countries during the world wars.”

“Diverse Heritage”

Bradford Council said the opening is in line with the city’s City of Culture designation.

Dr Saira Ali, the landscape architect who designed the memorial, said: “It has been a great honor to create this memorial. We sought to design a space that not only reflected the deep respect we have for Commonwealth troops, but also served as a place of peace and remembrance for all.

“This strengthens our commitment to remember and unite communities around shared sacrifices.

“The memorial garden in which it stands is a quiet, reflective environment where the beauty of nature complements the solemnity of the monument.”

Veterans present at the ceremony included Mirza Khan, 102, who served in the Indian Army during the Second World War, and Jack Crawford, 101, who grew up in Jamaica but joined the British forces and was based in Filey, North Yorkshire.

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