War horse memorial sculpture unveiled

A statue to commemorate a war horse that lived out its final days on Merseyside has been unveiled.

The horse, named Blackie, served during World War One and was buried at Lodge Farm in Halewood, Knowsley, after retiring to a former farm located there in 1937.

The Grade II-listed grave, at the site off Higher Road, had fallen into disrepair until the area was recently redeveloped for housing.

This grave has been preserved by Miller Homes and a new 2m (6ft 7in) high statue by sculptor Simon O’Rourke has been installed.

Stuart Craig, Managing Director of Miller Homes North West said the memorial was a "meaningful addition to the community".

“We knew the significance of this special memorial site and have worked with the local community to preserve and enhance it with a beautiful commemorative statue which is open to the public to visit," he said.

Blackie served in the 275th Brigade Royal Field Artillery A Battery 55th West Lancashire Division during World War One.

His master Lt Leonard Comer Wall, who was born in West Kirby in Wirral, had requested in his will that, should he not survive the war, his faithful horse would be buried with his medals and decorations.

Lt Wall was killed in action at Ypres whilst riding Blackie on 9 June 1917 at the age of 20.

Blackie lived to be 35 and spent his last days in retirement at Lodge Farm, which later became Liverpool Horses’ Rest, after moving there in 1937.

When Blackie died in 1942, he was buried with his master’s medals as per his wishes, but the grave fell into disrepair and became overgrown.

Miller Homes, along with local residents, have preserved and improved the site which now include a pathway to Blackie’s grave which is surrounded by wildflower meadows, shrubs and trees.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Knowsley Ken McGlashan, the Mayoress Ms Anne McGlashan, Knowsley Council’s Executive Director for Regeneration Dale Milburn, Stuart Craig, Managing Director of Miller Homes North West and local historians Heather Charles and Mike Royden.

Representatives from Hale Branch of the British Legion were also in attendance, alongside The Royal Artillery Association, Merseyside Aigburth Branch.

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