Commando Memorial

The Commando Memorial stands on a windswept hillside about a mile from Spean Bridge in the Scottish Highlands. It overlooks the valley of the River Spean towards the towering peaks of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mòr. The bronze sculpture shows three commandos in full wartime kit, rifles slung, gazing south across the glen. A stone plinth bears the inscription ‘United we conquer’ and a plaque remembering those who died in the Second World War. The monument was unveiled in 1952 by the Queen Mother and later listed as a Category A structure. The memorial honours the original British Commando forces trained nearby at Achnacarry Castle during the war. Among the figures is a depiction of Commando Jack Lewington, who attended many Remembrance Services at the site. Another figure represents Regimental Sergeant Major Sidney Hewlett, hand-picked by Eisenhower and held in high regard. A two-mile war memorial path now links the memorial to Wade’s High Bridge, scene of the 1745 Jacobite skirmish. Veterans and families still gather here for memorial services and to scatter ashes in the Garden of Remembrance. Visitors reach the site along the A82 road where the statue is clearly visible. From the viewing area there are sweeping views across the valley to the mountains beyond. The bronze figures stand fifteen feet high on their stone base, their weathered surfaces catching the Highland light. The Garden of Remembrance lies close by, planted with heather and set with simple memorial stones. The whole place offers a quiet space for reflection against the dramatic Highland backdrop.