Council marks 100 years of Douglas war memorial

The war memorial on Douglas promenade was unveiled on 29 May 1924

The "bravery and selflessness" of those from the Isle of Man's capital who died in both World Wars has been remembered at a ceremony to mark the centenary of the area's war memorial.

Douglas Mayor Natalie Byron-Teare led the service commemorating the city's cenotaph, which was unveiled to the public on 29 May 1924.

Constructed by stonecutter TS Quayle largely using granite from Foxdale, the memorial cost a total of £3,400, which was raised by public subscription.

Ms Byron-Teare said the city should be "very proud" of the legacy of those who fought and the way they continue to be honoured.

Ms Byron-Teare said: "Their bravery and selflessness are woven into the very fabric of our community and it is our duty to make sure their legacy endures," she said.

Natalie Byron-Teare paid tribute to those who gave their lives in World Wars

Designed by Ewart Crellin the monument's 40ft (12m) column is topped by a 10ft (3m) statue of an infantry soldier.

When the memorial was unveiled it included some 700 names from World War One, with the names of the men and women killed in World War Two incorporated at a later date.

The ceremony saw wreaths laid at the memorial by representatives of Douglas Council as well as several veteran organisations.

Juan Watterson SHK, who is chairman of the island's War Memorial Committee, said the people of Douglas in 1924 would have "expected" that those who fought and died would still be honoured today.

"Such was the loss, such was the devastation on the Isle of Man after WW1 that it was decided that we should never forget the people that fell," he said.

It was the "duty of all of us" to ensure that people did remember and considered the sacrifices of previous generations all year round and not only during the remembrance services in November, he added.