A sculpture has been unveiled in tribute to the first British soldier to die in the First World War.

The memorial commemorates Private John Henry Parr, who had lived in Finchley and served in the Middlesex Regiment.

It is believed Private Parr was killed after being shot during a mission in the northeast of Mons, Belgium.

The memorial was donated to the Barnet War Memorials Association by John Seigal and was unveiled by Iris Hunt, a relative of Private Parr’s.

The Worshipful Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Caroline Stock, said: “We know that locally in Finchley as soon as war was declared in 1914, young men like John Parr immediately went off to fight to protect our principles and sadly gave the ultimate sacrifice.

“This is why I was so determined that this silhouette was placed here in Lodge Lane, so that people carry on remembering those that gave their lives for us to live in freedom.”

From the 114 houses in Lodge Lane, Albert Street and William Street – which ran through what is now the car park – 111 men fought in the First World War.

Martin Russell, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London, said that at least eight – possibly 12 – of them died during the war.

More than 100 people attended the recent unveiling ceremony, including pupils from nearby Northside Primary School – one of whom read a poem of remembrance to mark the occasion.

The memorial can be found on the edge of Lodge Lane Car Park, North Finchley, and will be included in the Barnet Heritage Walks as a point of interest.

Find out more about the Barnet Heritage Walks at: www.barnet.gov.uk/heritagewalks