Our story

Pity of War started as the concern of Joyce Gee, a Quaker member of Southern Marches Area Meeting. It was born of her experiencesof the Blitz in World War Two. Her concern was supported by Quakers at a local and national level, and a working group was established to take the project forward.

The group applied to the National Memorial Arboretum to have a memorial established in memory of the ‘civilian victims of war’. Their approach was met postively, and the group was put in touch with the sculptor, Peter Walker, who had coincidentally also approached the NMA with a similar idea.

After a period of discernment, involving discussions with Peter and a number of sculptors, reflection on the matter at Quaker gatherings and approaching a number of other parties, the group decided to proceed formally. They commissioned Peter to produce a memorial sculpture and applied, successfully, for a site at the NMA. They established this charitable trust, Pity of War, to raise money for the memorial and an accompanying educational programme, intended to raise awareness of the impact of war, directly and indirectly, on civilians. They had planned a formal launch in May 2020, however, the Covid-19 pandemic made this impossible. The launch was therefore deferred until 6 August 2020 (the 75th anniversary of Hiroshima Day), and made virtual rather than physical.

They hope that you will reflect on the content in this site, and perhaps will contribute your own experiences.