home

The sculpture of ‘The Abandoned Soldier’ has been created by James Napier to honour those who have fought valiantly for our country, but are not being treated as the heroes they truly are. ‘The Abandoned Soldier’ was modeled on Lance Corporal Daniel Twiddy, who was wounded in Basra by friendly fire in 2003 and sustained many injuries, including facial wounds from shrapnel.

The sculpture was temporarily erected in Trafalgar Square on 20th January 2007 to draw the public’s attention and to rally support for soldiers and veterans who have been forgotten, or have received little support, despite having served their country. The sculpture has become a focal point for all those who have served in the Armed Forces and has now found a home in the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, the UK’s year-round centre of Remembrance.

In this unique haven of peace, ‘The Abandoned Soldier’ will form part of a living and lasting memorial to commemorate and celebrate those who have given their lives in the service of their country and all those who have served and suffered as a result of conflict. This is a situation that undoubtedly touches us all, as we probably all know of someone who has been, or could be, affected physically or emotionally by war at some point in their lives. The statue in its new position will allow the public to show their gratitude for our soldiers’ bravery and selflessness.

The sculpture will be erected temporarily in resin form on Saturday 6th November to coincide with the launch of the book, The Abandoned Soldier – Reflections of War. This is a collection of poetry written by Mark Christmas, whose early career was spent in the British Army. Sculptor James Napier and poet Mark Christmas have been working together to set up The Abandoned Soldier Fund. With the fund, the pair hope to raise awareness of mental health issues affecting British Servicemen and women and raise enough money to cast a bronze version of ‘The Abandoned Soldier’ to remain as a living tribute in the National Memorial Arboretum.

'The willingness with which our young people serve in any war, no matter how justified, will be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation'.
George Washington