Memorials have been a feature of the commemoration of battles since early recorded history. In most cases built by the visitors, and largely triumphalist in design and nature, they range freom those that celebrate nation hood to remembrance of certain battalions, regiments, and even the individual soldier.

Thousands of Irish men enlisted in the British Army during the 'Great War' of 191401918, with an estimated 49,400 of them making the supreme sacrifice.