New statue unveiled in Halewood 82 years after death of war horse Blackie

Paul Crone went along to the unveiling of the statue of Blackie in Liverpool

A statue has been unveiled commemorating a war horse 82 years after his death.

Blackie served during the First World War, and was later buried with his master’s medals at a farm in Knowsley, Merseyside.

The two metre-high sculpture marks the site of the grave at Lodge Farm, Halewood, which had previously fallen into disrepair.

Now, the grave has been restored by a construction firm responsible for new homes on neighbouring land.

Blackie pictured with his groom.

Blackie served in the 275th Brigade Royal Field Artillery 'A' Battery - 55th West Lancashire Division.

His master Lieutenant Leonard Comer Wall, a famous wartime poet, requested in his will that should he not survive the war his faithful horse be buried with his medals and decorations.

Lieutenant Wall was killed in action at Ypres whilst riding Blackie on 9 June 1917 at the age of 20.

When Blackie later died in 1942 aged 35, the horse was indeed buried with his master’s medals.

Two purple wreaths were laid against the new statue.

Heather Charles, former Hale Heritage Champion said "the rider obviously loved that particular horse and the horse and the rider had a special relationship. The groom too. We have to remember the groom that looked after the horse. He also lost his life on the same occasion".

The carved statue was completed by award-winning sculptor Simon O’Rourke

Local residents worked with Miller Homes to improve the site with a new public path to the grave and by planting wildflower meadows and native shrubs and trees.

Stuart Craig, Managing Director, Miller Homes said "it's a great piece of work. It's from one fallen tree and it's a phenomenal time piece that will stay for time. It's been put to good use for the community."

Lodge Farm latterly became the site of the Liverpool Horses’ Rest which was established by the RSPCA.

At the western end of the Pet Cemetery is the grave of Blackie the War Horse, previously located in an overgrown area close to the western boundary of the site.

Simon O'Rourke, wood sculptor said "I do enjoy capturing a bit of personality and capturing a feeling. A lot of the time I want people to walk away having felt like they experienced part of the story. That's one of my main key things with sculpture."