A memorial to a Wolverhampton war hero has been restored to its former glory in time for Remembrance services this weekend.

Type=image;ImageID=2945;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Harris Memorial before the restoration;TitleClass=strong; Type=image;ImageID=2946;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Harris Memorial after the restoration;TitleClass=strong;

Work on the Able Seaman Douglas Morris Harris memorial in St Peter's Gardens has been completed and the statue has been returned to its plinth.

The bronze bust and plaques, which were suffering from corrosion, were removed from the limestone plinth for restoration by specialist contractors.

The bust and plaques were repaired, cleaned and rewaxed to provide protective coating before being refixed to the limestone plinth.

The memorial, which was cast in 1919, is a grade II listed structure. Able Seaman Harris was a wireless operator, killed in action in the Adriatic in 1917.

As well as the memorial in St Peter's Gardens, Able Seaman Harris is also commemorated on the war memorial in the garden opposite St Philip's Church at Penn Fields.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, said: "I am delighted that the memorial to Able Seaman Harris has been restored in time for this weekend's services.

His bravery and contribution to the Navy in the First World War can never be under estimated and people want a fitting memorial to be able to pay their respects to him, particularly at this time of year."

The restoration was carried out by Eura Conservation Ltd of Telford, who also carried out the recent restoration of Prince Albert in Queen Square.

The annual Observance of Remembrance will be held at the Cenotaph in St Peter's Square on Sunday (10 November, 2013), with a parade from Wulfruna Street to St Peter's Square starting at 10.35am followed by a Drumhead Service at the cenotaph at 11am. A second service in St Peter's Collegiate Church will follow.

In addition, the City of Wolverhampton (Central Branch) of the Royal British Legion will be holding a short service at the Cenotaph from 10.50am on Monday (11 November, 2013).

  • released: Friday 8 November, 2013