Plaque commemorates First World War Birmingham Pals

On 21 November 2015, a memorial plaque commissioned by Birmingham City Council to commemorate the Centenary of the Birmingham Pals Battalions leaving British shores to fight in the First World War was dedicated at a special service. The service was attended by the then Lord Mayor, the late Cllr Raymond Hassall, The Dean of Birmingham and the Vice Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands. Representatives of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and veterans of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment also attended the event.

On Saturday 9 September, the plaque will be installed at the Museum and Art Gallery’s Great Charles Street entrance, close to where the Birmingham Pals attended their medicals.

Lord Mayor Cllr Anne Underwood said: ”Two years ago we marked the 100th anniversary of the deployment to the Western Front of the 14th, 15th and 16th Battalions of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment - known as the Birmingham Pals. I am delighted to see the plaque installed outside Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery as a permanent commemoration of the service the Birmingham Pals gave to their country during the First World War.”

Lt Col. Gale said: “The formation of the three Birmingham Pals Battalions of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment was an historic occasion in the history of this great city of Birmingham and it is fitting that this plaque is installed at the entrance of the building where those volunteers came to sign up 100 years ago.

“The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers into which the Royal Warwickshire Regiment was incorporated in 1968 is delighted to be present at the unveiling of this plaque to commemorate the contribution made by the Pals Battalions in the First World War.”

10:55am - Lord Mayor Cllr Anne Underwood, Lt Col RS Gale and Major Sylvia Parkin arrive at the entrance of Birmingham Museum Art Gallery, Great Charles Street, led by Standard Bearer Gordon Duggins.

11:00am - Lord Mayor speech

11:02am - Lt Col RS Gale speech

11:05am - The plaque will be unveiled

11:15am - Guests depart

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Notes

This event forms part of Birmingham City Council’s programme of First World War commemorative events.

A memorial to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment is also located at the reception area of the Council House.