Black Country workers, who carried out reserved occupations during the Second World War, will be honoured through the new sculpture.
During the Second World War, reserved occupations covered jobs that were essential to the war effort and daily life such as coal mining, farming, railway work and doctors, which were why some men were exempt from military service.
A chainmaker, Eric Attwood was one of around five million men covered by the UK’s Schedule of Reserved Occupations.
Luke Perry, Black Country sculptor, was inspired by his grandfather Eric Attwood’s story to create the 12ft-tall steel sculpture of a worker.
Luke said: “This is something I have wanted to build for 10 years as my grandad and many of his friends had been in reserved occupations during the Second World War.
“These were men who couldn’t sign up for military service as their trade was so important to the war effort. Like many men and women around here, he was a chainmaker and made ‘Navy Chain’ during the war.
“This monument is in memory of these uncelebrated men, many of whom suffered immensely from survivors’ guilt and a real fear that they didn’t play their part despite the importance of their work.
“As a monument exclusively to reserved occupationists, I think it is unique in the UK and certainly unique in the Black Country and industrial Midlands where there has never been a memorial in recognition of these vital workers from that period.”
The monument, named Fighting from Home, has been part-funded by the Arts Council together with Luke and his family’s factory Solid Swivel, in Cradley Heath, who have donated time and materials.
This will stand on the site of St Luke’s Churchyard, the historic home of many chain and anchor-making families.
Luke added: “The sculpture’s features are based on my grandad as he was quite a striking man, and I hope that this is a fitting tribute to him and the many men of his generation who served the cause to fight fascism in their own way.
“I am very proud to have been able to make something that feels so solid and befitting to these men who sadly did not see any recognition in their own lifetimes.
“I hope this will be a symbol of strength and comfort to the families of those who worked and continue to work in important roles without which we could not be free.”
The monument’s unveiling this year coincides with the Remembrance Sunday closest to the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Sandwell Council Leader, said: “We will join together at our annual Remembrance Sunday services and parades in November to commemorate the service and sacrifice of everyone who has defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
“This humbling new sculpture, Fighting from Home, will pay tribute to all those Black Country workers who played their part in reserved occupations. This will ensure their stories and contributions to the war effort are remembered for generations to come.
The sculpture will be accompanied by a real anchor, where names of people who carried out reserved occupations in the Black Country during the Second World can be engraved.
To put names forward of family members, Sandwell Council has requested people to contact Luke Perry by emailing mr.l.perry@googlemail.com or calling 07710 379000.
The unveiling ceremony will be taking place from 2pm until 3pm on Sunday, November 9.
