Ken gives out marching orders

They were the conquering heroes. As the colonial battles in India raged, Major General Sir Henry Havelock and General Charles James Napier stood tall. But now they face a battle they seem destined to lose.

For the statues of these two military giants could soon be removed from Trafalgar Square by order of Mayor Ken Livingstone, who admits he "hasn't got a clue" who they are.

Having already declared war on the square's pigeons, Ken Livingstone has now decided that the statues are surplus to requirements, too. He is calling for them to be replaced by figures more relevant to modern London.

The move was condemned today by furious Army officers. One told the Evening Standard: "Ken Livingstone might not know who Sir Henry Havelock was, but the troops he commanded at the relief of Lucknow won six Victoria Crosses."

Mr Livingstone said: "In our main square in our capital city the people on the plinth should be identifiable to most of the population. It is time to move those two generals and have figures ordinary Londoners and other people from around the capital would know. I haven't got a clue who they are. The generals must be moved elsewhere."

He added: "We have already investigated the possibility of moving the generals by the river."

Sir Henry Havelock (1795-1857) distinguished himself during the Indian Mutiny after serving with distinction in the Burmese and Afghan wars. In September 1857 his 78th Highlanders, later to become the Seaforth Highlanders and then the Queen's Own Highlanders, finally relieved Lucknow. His statue was erected by public subscription in 1861. Gen Sir Charles Napier (1782-1853) - statue by the sculptor GG Adams - was a veteran of the Peninsula War against Napoleon before he, too, went to India where he was knighted after winning major battles near Hyderabad.

Asked who might replace them, Mr Livingstone said: "I am not going to venture names at this stage. If we are going to move two historic generals, we need a period of consultation about who we want representing us." He says Londoners should decide which figures might be paraded on the giant plinths on either side of the square.

The suggestion that the generals be removed to a spot alongside the Thames invoked the ire of regimental associations. Colonel Alistair Cumming, Regimental Secretary of the Highlanders, said: "What business is it of his to remove statues? And where do we stop? Are they planning to rip Nelson off his column? This really is indicative of where we are going as a country isn't it - consigning our proud history to oblivion. Call me Angry of Inverness if you like."

But the idea certainly has the support of some tourists. Standing under the statue of Major General Havelock, Jill Bidgood, 39, of Aberdeenshire, said: "I have never heard of him. But it is important to decide what would go in his place. I am not a fan of royalty so I wouldn't want any of them. I would probably like to see a piece of modern art there, something colourful which would catch the eye."

Lisa Kemp, 18, and Gemma Holloway, both of Hampshire, failed to recognise either soldier. Miss Kemp said: "I have walked past it so many times and never even bothered to look. I would like to see someone who has done something remarkable for England. People would take more notice of someone they recognised." Miss Holloway agreed: "They probably did something amazing but I have no idea what it was or who they are. If you put a bust of Michael Jackson here it would look odd, but I think it is a good idea to update."

However Paul Scola, a head teacher who was visiting the square with pupils from St Martin's School, Hinkley in Leicestershire, said the idea should be dropped.

Mr Scola, who recognised Major General Havelock, said: "I think they should stay. When you come here, you feel the importance of the history of this country. A lot of generals are not well known but they are only two of a group of generals who have supported our country in the past and we need to revere their memory."