The Railway Sleeper

Despite the end of hostilities in 1945, the National Service Act of 1948 was passed and all able-bodied men between the ages of 17 and 21 were required to serve for 18 months in the Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force.To commemorate these young civilian men who were called up and thrust into army life, this wonderful sculpture has been created with the support of military artist, Malcolm Greensmith whose celebrated painting The Railway Sleeper has been displayed in the Imperial War Museum.

• Our conscript has just completed his basic training. It’s been a rigorous few weeks, but now he has some leave and he’s homeward bound. A good time to catch up on some sleep!
• Meticulously crafted to ensure that every detail is authentic. The large trunk doubling as a seat for the exhausted soldier… the smart new uniform, just a little dishevelled as he sleeps... the soldier’s head resting on his hand… and his loosening grip on that all important newspaper and I.D. card.
• Genuine coins from 1963, the year the last serviceman was demobbed.
• A specially-crafted hexagonal wooden base.
• An exclusive commemorative medal. In raised relief on the front is a National Service recruit. On the reverse are the words of the 1948 National Service Act.