A memorial arch has been constructed in Folkestone, England, to mark the Centenary of the First World War.
Folkestone served as a major port of departure for millions of British and Commonwealth troops heading for the battlefields of Europe during the First World War.
The charity Step Short has been heavily involved in plans to mark Folkestone’s role in the First World War and has been one of the key players behind the commemorative arch.
The organisation takes its name from the order given to soldiers marching down Slope Road in the town. Weighed down by kit and negotiating the gradient, they were given the order to ‘step short’.
The MP for Folkestone & Hythe, Damian Collins, who is also the Chairman of Step Short, said the arch had been built in honour of those who marched to the port and onwards to the Western Front.
“[We] remember them and their journeys, and the role that Folkestone played in those journeys and as the main port of embarkation during the course of the First World War”.
The ‘catenary’ arch was described by Mr. Collins as “simple”, but chosen deliberately as it is recognised internationally in the architectural community, reflecting that “this site was one that was relevant to people from all around the world during the First World War”.
On the 4th August 2014 – the Centenary of the British declaration of war on Germany – the arch will be dedicated in a special ceremony presided over by Prince Harry.
Source: Step Short
Images courtesy of Step Short
Posted by: Daniel Barry, Centenary News