A poignant call has been made for Haughmond Hill to have a living memorial to Wilfred Owen and members of the Shropshire regiment who trained upon it.
Alan Coles, 68, from Underdale Road, Shrewsbury, said that a part of the hill needs to be preserved now before any more of it gets destroyed by quarrying and the Forestry Commission.
He thinks a living memorial to the famous poet and the soldiers of the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry who died in combat would be appropriate as the popular landmark has such historic connections.
The timely request comes as the town commemorates the 90th anniversary of Owen’s death and the signing of the 1918 Armistice.
Wilfred Owen was known to walk regularly from Monkmoor to Uffington Church to worship before going to the top of the hill.
Mr Coles also said that the land was used regularly by the KSLI for training and military manoeuvres up until the 1960s.
He said: “My uncle was in the Shropshire Yeomanry in the 1914-18 war and he trained with the cavalry regiment on Haughmond Hill.
“We should protect the hill before it’s too late. I have been coming here for 65 years now. A section should be given over as a memorial to all those who trained there. I think there was a memorial at one time, but it got destroyed.”
Helen McPhail, who was chairman of the Wilfred Owen Association for many years and who is still involved in the group, said: “A plaque would be a suitable local memorial.”
Georgina Sharp, recreation ranger for the Forestry Commission in the area, said: “We would welcome discussions with the Wilfred Owen Association to think about recognition for his connection with the hill.”
* See page 14 of the Shrewsbury Chronicle, November 6, 2008
