As another year passes, we hit the day of celebration of all the men who gave their lives on the front-line during WWI and every conflict since.
Remembrance Day 2025 marks 80 years since the end of WWII and this is close to the hearts of communities all over.
On this day of remembrance, it is especially important for that of Luke Perry a sculptor from the Black Country. For the past ten years he has wanted to create the twelve-foot steel masterpiece he now has, in memory of workers of the second world war. “These were men who couldn’t sign up for military service as their trade was so important to the war effort.”
His grandfather Eric Attwood’s story is what made him decide to create this. As a Black Country chain maker Eric was never called up to the front, instead he was told his job at home was vital and that in turn led to him remaining and working to help the war effort. Covered by the UK’s Schedule of Reserved Occupations him alongside around five million others were told that their jobs were essential to the war effort.
Luke Perry states, “this monument is in memory of these uncelebrated men, many of whom suffered immensely from survivors’ guilt and a real fear that they didn’t play their part despite the importance of their work.”
“As a monument exclusively to reserved occupationists, I think it is unique in the UK and certainly unique in the Black Country and industrial Midlands where there has never been a memorial in recognition of these vital workers from that period.”
The real anchor holds the names of these individuals with more to be added as he encourages the public to get in touch with their own stories about family members.
Named ‘Fighting from Home,’ it has been part funded by Sandwell Arts Council together with Luke and his family’s factory Solid Swivel who donated time and materials.
“I’d say that of all my projects over the last 20 years it’s the one that people have been most vocal about regarding getting in touch, it’s been incredibly positive.”
Luke Perry, sculptor/organiser
Sandwell council leader Kerrie Carmichael who was present when it unveiled added. “This humbling new sculpture pays tribute to all those Black Country workers who played their part in reserved occupations. This will ensure their stories and contributions to the war effort are remembered for generations to come.”
Unveiled on Remembrance Sunday (November 11th) at St Luke’s Church, Cradley Heath, their names and memory will live on forever.