Machine Gun Corps Memorial, War memorial at Grosvenor Place, United Kingdom
The Machine Gun Corps Memorial is a bronze and marble monument located at the intersection of Grosvenor Place and Piccadilly in central Westminster. The sculpture features a central figure representing David holding Goliath's sword, with two Vickers machine guns positioned on either side of the composition.
The Machine Gun Corps was established in 1915 under King George V and operated across multiple fronts including France, Russia, Egypt, and East Africa during the First World War. The memorial was erected after the war to honor the unit's contributions and the lives lost during the conflict.
The inscription 'Saul hath slain his thousands but David his tens of thousands' references the biblical account of David defeating Goliath with a simple weapon. This phrase became the corps' motto and shaped how people understood the soldiers' devastating firepower on the battlefield.
The memorial is situated near Green Park station and Wellington Arch, making it easily accessible by public transport from across the city. It stands at a busy traffic intersection, so visiting early in the morning or later in the evening allows for a quieter experience and better photography opportunities.
The memorial was unveiled in 1925 and features two genuine Vickers machine guns that were actually used during the First World War. These authentic weapons serve as tangible evidence of the military technology that these soldiers operated during their service across multiple continents.
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