War Memorial, Cape Town

The War Memorial in Cape Town serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers in major conflicts of the 20th century. Known as the Cenotaph, this public memorial plays a central role in the city's commemoration activities, especially during the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Unveiled on 3 August 1924 by the then Governor-General of South Africa, Alexander Cambridge, the Cenotaph was originally erected to honor the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Over time, it has come to also commemorate those who died in World War II and the Korean War. Cape Town annually commemorates Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph on the Sunday nearest to November 11th at 11 am.

Designed by English sculptor Vernon March, the memorial showcases two bronze figures representing soldiers in action during World War I, positioned on separate sandstone columns on either side of a central sandstone column. This column supports a bronze winged victory figure, reminiscent of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, symbolizing triumph over conflict. The central figure, facing Table Mountain, holds a laurel wreath high and steps on a globe with a serpent, symbolizing global conflicts commemorated.

The memorial's design features a central column that stands 8 meters (26 feet) tall, adorned at the top with bronze-wreathed swords. The base of the column is surrounded by four bronze plaques depicting scenes from various battle contexts, including the Battle of Delville Wood, and inscriptions in both English and Afrikaans, reflecting South Africa's linguistic heritage.