St Albans Road 'Tommy' removed after 'damage beyond repair'

Silhouette figures of First World War soldiers were installed across the town by Watford Borough Council and Murrill Construction Ltd at the end of October, as part of an art installation called ‘There But Not There’ run by military charity Remembered.

This afternoon (November 3), local councillors shared the “sad” news that the statue outside the St Albans Road Post Office had been damaged.

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The 'Tommy' silhouette in St Albans Road. (Image: Cllr Dennis Watling)

After it was reported, the Tommy was assessed to see if it could be patched up but it was decided that it needed to be removed for safety purposes.

Labour councillor Dennis Watling said the “terrible” damage could have been caused by many things, including members of the public walking or cycling into it by accident.

The 'Tommy' silhouette in St Albans Road. (Image: Cllr Dennis Watling)

“The fact remains it was damaged,” he added. “But it is unclear as to how.”

The silhouettes are put up in the town each year. In 2022 the one on the Kingswood estate was “trampled” and vandalised, while in 2021 a Tommy was kicked and stolen within 24 hours of being put up in the Meriden area.

Update: 

Peter Taylor, Mayor of Watford, has confirmed that the damage to the Tommy statue was accidental and not done deliberately. 

He posted a picture of the silhouette on Facebook, with a statement.

Peter Taylor added: 

"I know many residents in Watford were shocked by the damage done to Tommy silhouette on St Albans Road at the end of last week. This is understandable given that we will soon be commemorating Remembrance Sunday and giving thanks to all those who serve and have served in the armed forces to keep them safe.

"The police have reviewed CCTV footage of the incident and have seen that this damage was caused accidentally rather than intentionally. I hope that the knowledge that this was not a malicious act will provide some comfort to those who were hurt by the damage."