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Big Dipper Tragedy Memorial Tree

London, United Kingdom

Big Dipper Tragedy Memorial Tree

Nestled within the verdant expanse of Battersea Park, London, the 24th Division War Memorial stands as one of the most compelling and unconventional memorials to the fallen of the First World War. Designed by the acclaimed sculptor Eric Kennington, this monument marks his very first public commissio

n—a profound responsibility that he embraced with vision and innovation, producing a work that would come to define the memorial landscape of interwar Britain. The memorial was unveiled in 1924, a mere six years after the Armistice of 1918, when grief and remembrance still permeated every corner of the nation. Its avant-garde design diverged markedly from the traditional, literal representations that dominated war memorials of the period, choosing instead to evoke the solemnity and tragedy of conflict through abstract, evocative forms that invite contemplation rather than mere observation. Over the decades, the memorial's artistic merit and historical significance were formally recognised when it was designated a Grade II* listed building in 2005—a status reserved for particularly important structures of more than special interest, ensuring its protection for future generations. Today, the 24th Division War Memorial remains a powerful testament to the sacrifice of those who served, and a remarkable example of early twentieth-century sculptural artistry that continues to move visitors to reflection and remembrance.

Listen to the audio guide for Big Dipper Tragedy Memorial Tree Free on WIP — starts by itself when you arrive, even with the screen off

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