Ostwestry: Wilfred Owen’s statue

Wilfred Edward Salter Owen was born on the 18th March 1893 at Plas Wilmot, a house in Weston Lane, Oswestry. He began to write poetry as a teenager and is remembered today as one of the War Poets of WWI. His work was fuelled by his anger at the cruelty and futility of war, based on his experiences during his service on the Western Front.

After experiencing heavy fighting, Owen was diagnosed with shellshock and was evacuated to England. Arriving at Craiglockhart War Hospital near Edinburgh in June, he met the poet, Siegfried Sassoon, already known as a poet, who shared Owen's views. Sassoon read the poems which Owen had been writing and gave him encouragement, introducing him to literary figures such as Robert Graves.

Wilfred Owen returned to France in August 1918 and in October was awarded the Military Cross for bravery. On 4th November 1918, he was killed while attempting to lead his men across the Sambre canal at Ors. The news of his death reached his parents on 11th November, Armistice Day.

A single volume of his poems was published in 1920 and includes some of the most poignant poetry from this time, including ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’.

Designed by local artist Tim Turner, a life-sized, bronze statue of Owen was unveiled on the morning of 20th October, 2018. It is is adorned with the words of Owen, handwritten by local primary school children, along with five original poems, contributed by pupils from local schools.

‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ has been illustrated by Martin Impey in a stunning volume to be treasured.

Cae Glas Park,

Oswestry,

Shropshire