Epsom Downs Racecourse commemorates WWI
Epsom Downs Racecourse commemorates World War One
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, the Royal British Legion and Epsom Downs Racecourse have come together to commemorate the start of World War One by placing large poppies on two key sites at the racecourse.
Epsom Downs Racecourse played a significant role locally during World War One. In addition to being a military encampment, the two grandstands were also used as hospitals. On 22 January 1915, an inspection by Lord Kitchener was held in blizzard conditions on Epsom Downs and, in total, over 20,000 troops were drawn-up for inspection.
A plaque by the ‘Generous’ statue at the racecourse commemorates this event and is where one of the poppies has been positioned. The other poppy is within the Queen’s Stand.
The poppies will stay up until 11 November 2014, Remembrance Day.
"We feel it is very important to commemorate the First World War and remember all of the soldiers both locally and nationally who lost their lives and fought for their country" said General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse Simon Durrant.
"The racecourse played a large role locally and therefore it is fitting that we should have the commemoration poppies here on display for all our racegoers and guests to admire."
