The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Dannatt hits out at campaign uptake
Sluggish uptake in a First World War commemoration campaign to have councils install Tommy figures across the country has been branded a “shame” by a former head of the Army.
Since its launch in February, little more than a third of councils are said to have installed one of the 6ft-tall silhouettes, which are part of a drive to raise £15 million for armed forces and mental health charities.
A display of the statues went on show at The Black Watch Museum in Perth this week.
General Lord Dannatt has written to council chiefs to urge them to get behind the project, called There But Not There.
Some have reportedly declined to take part, while others have not responded to his request.
A donation of £750 is required for one of the aluminium figures, which depict the outline of a soldier holding a rifle with his head lowered.
Writing in the Daily Express, General Lord Dannatt said: “We are delighted that 160 councils have installed the Tommies but it is a shame that more than 250 are yet to do so.
“The campaign gives communities and individuals a chance to connect with their past and the role that their cities, towns, villages and loved ones played in the First World War.
“It is the responsibility of local councils to play a central role in this,” he added.
More than 1,000 of the figures have been sold in the UK and overseas, including New York, San Francisco, Ottawa, Toronto and Gibraltar.
Campaign director Rowley Gregg said: “When city authorities all over the world are getting on board but our own local councils aren’t, you have to wonder why.
“It is particularly frustrating that many local councils have yet to acknowledge Lord Dannatt’s letter, and we urge the remaining 63% to get involved in what is a hugely important campaign.”
The Local Government Association said its members were commemorating the centenary in different ways.
A spokesman said: “Councils are leading efforts to enable communities to commemorate the centenary of World War One and pay tribute to those who gave their lives.
“This is being done in a number of ways, including offering grants to community groups and co-ordinating parades.
“Many councils will also be hosting a beacon of light as part of the Battle’s Over national tribute to mark this solemn occasion.”