Site: Cavalry Memorial (1 memorial)
W2, Hyde Park, Serpentine Road
This was erected after 'the war to end all wars' and then, as with many war memorials, the inscription was extended following the next war.
The Parks website tell us: "Cast from guns captured in World War I. Originally it stood at Stanhope Gate which was altered to accommodate it. Moved to present site in 1961 when Park Lane was widened." That widening turned 'Stanhope Gate' into the motorway-style right turn off Park Lane into the road that is now called Stanhope Gate, previously Great Stanhope Street.
The Western Front Association provides the full story of how this memorial was erected. The original site was chosen for its prominence and for its position on a military procession route. We doubt that still applies. The WFA's pictures include some, rather murky, of the memorial in its original location.
We were delighted to find, in a 1938 film, an image of the memorial at Stanhope Gate, taken from high up in the Dorchester Hotel, showing its setting very well.
The second Sunday in May is named Cavalry Sunday and is marked with The Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Association Memorial Parade. This normally consists of a march past this memorial and a short service.
2019: The Daily Mail carries photos of the Parade and they are worth a glance: "The event, which honours soldiers lost in conflict since the First World War, has a strict dress code - Twenties city attire including a bowler hat - because that's the decade in which the parade first began." Prince Charles is particularly, em, fetching."
