SIXTEEN life-sized soldier ‘silhouettes’ have been placed around Southampton to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.

The Silent Soldiers commemorate the 1.1 million British and Empire service men and women who died during the war.

They display images of the classic Tommy solider, as well as members of the RAF, Commonwealth, and Suffragette groups.

One has been placed in each of the city’s wards, taking residence in parks, open spaces and outside libraries.

Civic chiefs purchased the statues from the Royal British Legion for £250 each. The charity created the 1.6 metre tall figures as part of their Silent Soldier Campaign.

Southampton City Council leader Councillor Chris Hammond said: “Having these iconic Royal British Legion silhouettes of World War One service personnel is a city wide visual reminder of the human sacrifice that was made.

Battle Honours of the Royal Hampshire Regiment - new book.Battle Honours of the Royal Hampshire Regiment - new book.

(The Hampshire Regiment at the Battle of the Somme)

“We’re proud to support their ‘Thank You’ campaign, and to remember all of those who were involved in the war effort.”

The authority’s Armed Forces champion Councillor Catherine McEwing said: “These figures are a striking way of commemorating the end of World War 1, one hundred years ago.

“Southampton City Council looks after the needs of over 245,000 residents, many of whom are current or ex-service personnel. It’s essential we also recognise and support them, and their families, for their service. We’re proud members of the Armed Forces Covenant, and we’re encouraging other businesses and organisations to sign up.”

The authority says that the statues have been concreted into the ground in a bid to stop people from attempting to steal or vandalise them.

It comes ahead of the 100th anniversary of World War One on November 11 – Armistice Day.

During the war, 7,580 officers and men were killed from the Hampshire Regiment. They formed a total of 32 battalions in the war and received 82 Battle Honours and three Victoria Crosses.

A further 2,094 officers and men were killed in the Second World War.

In 1992, the regiment was amalgamated with the Queen’s Regiment to form the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment.