There But Not There | St Pancras Station Memorial

In May 2018 I met with a friend at St Pancras Station. While I was waiting for him, I found these three unassuming spectral figures aligned in silent order on the International Grand Terrace. Their dignified presence prompted me to think about the pivotal role that St Pancras must have played during both World Wars I and II. On further investigation I found that the display of these modest Tommies forms part of the ‘There But Not There’ centenary campaign combined with a year of commemoration as St Pancras marks its 150th anniversary...During the war years St Pancras was part of the The Midland Railway Company (transporting goods, troops and ammunitions) based in Derby, employing 66,839 people in 1907. It seems incredible that 21,941 of these employees enlisted to support the war effort and 2,833 of them lost their lives. Around 100 of those who died were based at St Pancras in WW1, with further fatalities caused by an air raid on the station on the night of 17 February 1918 when five bombs were dropped on or near the station killing 20 people and injuring a further 33. This was the greatest number of casualties suffered in any air raid on a London station during the war. Women stepped-in to important roles on the railways to replace the men who were fighting on the battlefields...These six foot high statues were designed by Martin Barraud @martin_barraud and will leave the station this month. You can purchase a 10” version of the statues from www.therebutnotthere.org.uk who donate the proceeds to The Royal Foundation, Walking With The Wounded, Combat Stress, Help for Heroes, The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation and Project Equinox..@StPancrasInt .@Remembered2018 .remembered2018.HS1@clarioncomms.co.uk

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