18: Lest We Forget
We all owe a huge debt to the men and women who gave up their lives in order to ensure the freedoms that we all enjoy today.
The war memorial that stands in the grounds of the Minster Church was originally created after World War I memorial when it listed the names of the 65 men from the town who lost their lives between 1914 and 1918. On the base of the memorial is a stone tablet recording the names of the 19 who fell in World War II between 1939 and 1945.
Axminster’s role in World War Two was particularly significant because it was the southern starting point of the Taunton Stop Line; a defensive line of pillboxes and anti-tank obstacles, running north to the Somerset coast. It was also the location of a United States Army base, which housed the 315th Station hospital before and after the D-Day landings.
Designer: Sarah Jackson
”Designing this banner has been an honour. It pays respect to all the men and women from our communities who have fought and given their lives for us all - the ultimate sacrifice. I chose to imagery that people associate with the Royal British Legion and would recognise from its Poppy appeal. The silhouette of a mourning soldier makes up the centre of the iconic poppy flower. I'm really pleased with how this design has turned out and hope this poignant addition to the banners collection will play a small part in helping us to remember that for our tomorrow, they gave their today.”
Location: Axminster Banking Hub, Trinity Square