War Memorial at Nottingham High School, Nottingham

The War Memorial at Nottingham High School is a poignant tribute to former pupils who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars. Facing the Arboretum from the school’s Waverley Street frontage, the memorial features a striking life-size bronze statue of a young officer in service dress and helmet, turning slightly and raising his hand as if beckoning his men forward into battle. The figure is modeled on Robert Thrale, a former student who rose to the rank of corporal.

Set atop a Portland stone pedestal of quatrefoil design, the statue rests on three molded steps. The front of the pedestal bears an ornate cartouche inscribed: "To the Glory of God. In lasting and grateful memory of those former members of this School who by the sacrifice of their lives for the cause of their Country in the Great War 1914-1918 ennobled the traditions which they had here received." The reverse carries the solemn phrase: "God gave them a great duty to do, and they did it. Te Deum Laudamus."

Bronze panels on the sides and back of the pedestal list the names of those who fell in the wars, with additional panels added for Second World War casualties and further Great War names. The school crest and motto are prominently displayed beneath the main inscription.

The memorial was designed by Colonel A.W. Brewill, an Old Boy who commanded the 7th Battalion Sherwood Foresters during WWI. The statue was sculpted by Henry Poole ARA, also known for the Albert Ball memorial at Nottingham Castle. It was unveiled on 11 November 1922 by the Duke of Portland and dedicated by the Bishop of Newcastle.

A companion Book of Remembrance and a Roll of Honour created by the school’s art master, E.M. Betts, preserve the memory of over 200 students and staff who made the ultimate sacrifice.