My Secret Dartford

Situated directly next to the library, Dartford town war memorial is a monument to the First World War.  It was erected in 1922 and commissioned by Dartford War Memorial Committee. Created by the sculptor Arthur Walker it has a further  dedication to the fallen of the Second World War (1939-45) and the Korean War (1950-53).  The model for the statue was a soldier recently returned from Flanders who survived to see photographs of it finished.  The statue is cast from bronze with a granite pedestal and inscribed bronze plaques. In March 2015 two war memorial benches behind the statue were unveiled by council leader Jeremy Kite and the Mayor of Dartford Avtar Sandhu. Sources:  Kent Online-  Dartford memorial benches: Two commemorative benches honouring those who have died at war installed in Central Park, Dartford Historic England- Dartford War Memorial Wikipedia: Arthur George Walker

British Pathé footage of Dartford's Fire Brigade WW1 Dartford Fire Brigade, WW1 During the First World War women had never before opportunities to work in occupations that were previously off limits  in order to do their part towards the war effort.  The war was not only an opportunity to serve country but also gain more rights and independence.