Mersea's Tommy statues get set to go under the hammer

The first ten of a set of 51 Tommy statues which have decorated The Strood for just over a year will go on display at Reeman Dansie today.

Created by steel fabricator Duncan Pittock and daughter Faith, the silhouettes have drawn praise from residents and visitors alike since they were installed to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War in November last year.

The proceeds raised from the sale of the statues will be given to the Royal British Legion, as well as a collection of other good causes which supported Mr Pittock’s project.

Mr Pittock’s original inspiration for the project came from a First World War photograph he saw of a company of soldiers. He noticed a resemblance between the backdrop and Mersea’s famous salt marshes and so decided to start to work on a project.

Mr Pittock said the time had now come for the statues to be taken down.

He said: “I think it is the right time for them to come down and they have served there purpose commemorating the centenary.

“If they stayed forever then the reason they were originally put there might have been lost.

“I am hoping each of the groups will at least double the money they put in.”

The first 26 soldiers will be auctioned off at a special charity dinner and auction at Mersea Outdoors on November 29.

Tickets to the event cost £40 including a three-course meal, welcome drink and entertainment.

The ten at Reeman Dansie, in Wyncolls Road, will be sold in the auctioneers fine art sale in the first week of December.

There are also five available in a raffle and ten are for sale via sealed bids.

Raffle tickets and bids can be sorted out at Mersea’s Royal British Legion Hall now.

The money raised will be split between the Royal British Legion, Mersea Island Tales Educational Trust, Mersea Island Rotary Club, Mersea Lions Club, The Strood Charity and Dabchicks Sailing Club.

Search Strood Soldiers on Facebook to find out more or purchase tickets to the charity dinner.