Life-size WW1 statue unveiled in Southend

A new life-size statue of a young WW1 soldier has been unveiled in Southend.

The statue has been placed in front of Southend’s Cenotaph War Memorial and was designed by local sculptor, Dave Taylor.

  • Watch Russell Hookey's full report here:

More than a hundred years on from the end of the First World War, it’s a tribute to the many soldiers from the Essex regiment who gave their lives.

Standing at just under six-foot-high, the bronze tribute is based on 20-year-old Ethan Harvey from Norwich. Ethan regularly takes part in war-time re-enactments and says it’s an “incredible honor”.

The statue was based on Ethan Harvey from Norwich Credit: ITV News Anglia

While councillors unanimously approved the plans, some questions were raised as to whether a statue facing away from the cenotaph is appropriate. The council says it’s no different to other wartime figures elsewhere.

The statue depicts a soldier facing away from the cenotaph in the ‘rest rifles’ position which is traditionally adopted during ceremonial events.

  • Click below to watch our original report with Ethan back in 2014: