Surrey Mounties say bronze statue pushed off Cloverdale cenotaph

RCMP are investigating after a bronze statue of a kneeling soldier was pushed off the Cloverdale cenotaph.

RCMP Staff Sgt Duane Honeyman said police received a report of vandalism to the statue and some benches on March 29. They’ve requested video surveillance of the area.

In a statement, the City of Surrey said the “Kneeling in Remembrance” statue, which is part of the city’s public art collection, is “safe and being repaired.” It will be reinstalled in the coming weeks.

The bronze statue depicts a First World War soldier, kneeling, helmet in hand, in remembrance of his fallen comrade.

The sculpture by retired Col. André D. Gauthier was donated to Surrey through contributions from school children, Veterans Affairs, the Canadian Legion and municipal and federal sources to complete the existing cenotaph. It was unveiled during the 2006 Remembrance Day ceremony.