Combat Stress will mark a significant milestone in veterans’ mental health history this September as work begins on a new memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, dedicated to veterans living with the psychological trauma of military service.
The memorial, funded entirely by the generosity of two long-standing Combat Stress supporters who have also pledged legacies to the charity, will provide a permanent place of reflection, remembrance and hope for members of the Armed Forces community affected by mental health challenges.
The memorial has been commissioned from acclaimed British sculptor Andy DeComyn, whose notable works at the National Memorial Arboretum include the renowned Shot at Dawn Memorial. The new sculpture will be cast in bronze and mounted on a four-foot stone plinth. Located close to the site’s Remembrance Centre, it will reflect Combat Stress’ commitment to supporting veterans from across the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force.
A breaking-ground ceremony will take place on 7 September, led by a veteran who received treatment through Combat Stress and now works for the charity, symbolising both recovery and the enduring need for specialist support. The memorial will be unveiled to the public in May 2027.
The memorial will recognise the men and women of the British Armed Forces who live with the often-unseen impact of military service, including conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety.
Robert Marsh, Director of Fundraising at Combat Stress, said:
“This memorial will stand as a lasting tribute to the courage and resilience of veterans living with the invisible wounds of service. We are incredibly grateful to the supporters whose generosity has made it possible. By placing this memorial at the heart of the National Memorial Arboretum, we hope it will serve as a powerful reminder that no veteran has to face these challenges alone and that support is always available.”
On the memorial, Andy DeComyn said:
“I feel enormously privileged to be part of this project. In many ways, Hidden Wounds builds on the legacy of Shot at Dawn. It takes us from a memorial that honours those who suffered the unseen psychological effects of war without recognition or support, to one that shines a light on the enduring consequences of trauma and the hope of recovery.
“The sculpture depicts a veteran overwhelmed by the weight of their experiences, while also demonstrating that, with the right support, recovery is possible. It is a powerful reminder that no one has to face their struggles alone.”
For more than a century, Combat Stress has provided specialist mental health treatment and support to former servicemen and women across the UK, helping veterans and their families rebuild their lives after military trauma.
The memorial is expected to become a lasting symbol of recognition, compassion and recovery for generations to come.
