Royal Marines Memorial

The Royal Marines Memorial is a bronze war memorial on the north side of The Mall in London, right beside Admiralty Arch. Unveiled in 1903, it commemorates the Royal Marines who died in the Boxer Rebellion in China and the Second Boer War in Africa. It is also known as the Graspan Royal Marines Memorial.

What does the memorial show?

The sculptor was Adrian Jones. The work has two bronze figures standing on a Portland stone plinth. One marine stands with his rifle and bayonet poised in defence, protecting a wounded comrade at his feet. The scene is plain and easy to read: it speaks of loyalty and protecting a companion on the battlefield rather than of triumph. The reliefs on the plinth were designed by the architect Sir Thomas G. Jackson, while the bronze reliefs are by Jones himself.

Why is it called Graspan?

The memorial takes its name from the Battle of Graspan, fought on 25 November 1899 during the Boer War, in which Royal Marines took part. That is why the sculpture goes by both Royal Marines Memorial and Graspan Memorial.

History and relocation

The memorial was first unveiled in 1903 by the Prince of Wales in the Cambridge Enclosure in St James's Park. In the early 1940s it was put into storage while the bunker known as The Citadel was built. Accounts differ on the exact year, giving either 1940 or 1941. It returned to its present spot on The Mall in 1948.

In 2000 the sculpture was rededicated as the national monument of the Royal Marines, unveiled by the Duke of Edinburgh in his role as Captain General of the corps. Since then it has been the focus of the annual Graspan Parade.

What to look at up close

A brass plaque on the back of the plinth lists the names of 70 men who died in one of the two conflicts. It is worth pausing here: behind the figures rises the monumental Admiralty Arch, and in front of them the broad avenue of The Mall stretches towards Buckingham Palace.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the memorial? On the north side of The Mall, next to Admiralty Arch, in the City of Westminster, London.

Who does it commemorate? Royal Marines who died in the Boxer Rebellion in China and the Second Boer War in Africa.

Who made it? The sculptor Adrian Jones; the plinth reliefs were designed by Sir Thomas G. Jackson.

Has it always stood here? No. It was first unveiled in St James's Park, spent part of the war in storage, and was set up in its current position in 1948.

Is there an entry fee? The memorial stands in an open public space beside the street and can be viewed at any time.