Following a record-breaking year last year, with hundreds of poppies created and pinned onto Unknown Tommy statues across West Mercia, Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion is once again inviting communities to come together by making and pinning poppies onto the six ‘Tommies’ in the lead up to Remembrance Day.
In tribute to servicemen and women – past and present – the statues will be located outside police stations in Telford (Malinsgate), Malvern, Shrewsbury (Monkmoor), Hereford, Kidderminster and at West Mercia Police’s Headquarters at Hindlip from Friday 26 September, so get creating now!
First introduced in 2022, the statues remind us of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the protection of others.
On Tuesday 11 November, the six statues will line up together at Malvern police station in south Worcestershire for a wreath laying ceremony to honour former and serving police officers and members of the Armed Forces.
West Mercia Police and the PCC have a proud and long history of recognising the role both former and serving military personnel play in keeping our communities safe, indeed a number have chosen to join West Mercia’s ranks when returning to civilian life.
The PCC also funds Remember Veterans, an initiative that provides dedicated support for military veterans who are currently in contact with — or at risk of becoming involved in — the criminal justice system.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “The sacrifice these individuals made in keeping people and communities safe cannot be underestimated. And it is important and right we all take time out of our lives to honour the Armed Forces, as well as ex-service personnel including those who serve within West Mercia Police to keep our communities safe.
“The Unknown Tommy statues not only do that but also help bring communities together as they help to decorate the iron figures; bringing the past, present and future generations together in this fitting tribute to our nation’s heroes.”
As the statues are outside, poppies will need to be able to withstand the weather. For more information on creating poppies, visit –
