A poignant art installation has been revealed to mark the anniversaries of Victory in Europe Day and the invention of radar.

The artwork, titled Echoes, has been unveiled at the Port of Dover and is inspired by the acoustic sound mirrors that lined England’s south coast as the Second World War loomed.

Created by the charity Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) and artist Martin Barraud, the sculpture stands as a reminder of a crucial early technological advancement.

These acoustic sound mirrors were vital precursors to radar, which played a key role in defending the nation and significantly impacted the outcome of the war.

Known as ‘listening ears’, the mirrors provided early warning of incoming enemy aircraft and airships poised to attack coastal towns, with several still intact at RSPB Dungeness in Romney Marsh.

The installation, which stands at three-by-three metres, has been made from a type of steel which naturally corrodes over time, creating a rust effect similar to the ‘Angel of the North’.

And its launch also coincides with the celebrations for Victory in Europe Day on Thursday, May 8.

Chief of the General Staff Lord Dannatt GCB, CBE, MC, DL, and a patron of RBLI, said: “As we approach these significant anniversaries, one cannot help but draw striking parallels between the Europe of the 1930s and the challenges we face as a nation and continent today.

“Eighty years ago, our forebears made difficult, but important, decisions regarding investment in defence of the realm.

“Like today, those choices were made at a politically and economically challenging time for the nation.

“It is clear in my mind that without radar, the Britain of today could have been a very different place.”

The sound mirrors were first installed in the 1930s and inspired the striking monolithic sculpture, which is free to view and open to the public from Wednesday, April 16, throughout the summer.

Artist Mr Barraud said: “I wanted to create a piece that celebrated this period of great British ingenuity and scientific advancement, while at the same time honouring those who gave so much in the contribution to victory in Europe.”

The RBLI commissioned the artwork as part of its VE Day Tommy campaign, which aims to fund 100 new homes for 100 veterans at its Industries Village in Aylesford, Kent.

The site is currently home to more than 300 veterans and their families, but the village is operating at full capacity.

In the last 12 months alone, there has been a 45% increase in requests and referrals for emergency veteran accommodation.

As part of the campaign, the charity is also encouraging the public to support the cause by purchasing a VE Day 80 Tommy Military Figure, with all funds directly contributing to housing vulnerable members of the veteran community.

The chief executive of RBLI, Lisa Farmer OBE, said: “Our enduring mission to support and care for those affected by, not just the Second World War, but by all conflict continues to this day.

“That we are still fortunate enough to have some veterans of that awful conflict still with us today is incredible and cause for celebration.

“Through Echoes, we hope that as people commemorate this important year, they will also reflect on the vital role RBLI plays in providing housing for veterans of all ages at our village in Aylesford, Kent.”