Does Your War Memorial Need Some Tender Loving Care?

Published on: 18 Nov, 2013
Updated on: 22 Nov, 2013

War memorials across Guildford in need of some TLC will be eligible for cash to repair and clean them courtesy of the borough council.

Wreaths laid at the Charlotteville War Memorial, November 9, 2013.

The funds have been made available ahead of next year’s centenary of the start of the First World War. The council is appealing to organisations and parish councils to get in contact, with the funds coming from more than £88,000 that has been set aside for a range of improvements within their communities.

The council will shortly be writing to parish councils urging them to apply for grants.

In the years immediately after the First World War, cities, towns, villages and hamlets throughout the country erected memorials to those who had fallen in the Great War. Names of those who died in the Second World War were often added after 1945. But now, with the passing of time, the stone of many war memorials has weathered and in some cases names have faded.

Guildford MP Anne Milton said: “Ahead of the centenary of the First World War it is important that our memorials to those who lost their lives for us are in good order. I am delighted Guildford Borough Council is putting money aside to help with this so we have a fitting tribute for the sacrifice made by so many.”

Col Patrick Crowley, late Princess of Wales Regiment, added: “The local regiment, the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment, formed 31 units during the First World War and there were over 8,000 men who gave their lives for their county and their country. Their sacrifice and their families must not be forgotten. Their memorials should be kept in good order.”

The unveiling of the war memorial in the Castle Grounds on November 6, 1921. It too will undergo some restoration work ahead of next year’s centenary of the start of the First World War.

Guildford resident Ian Nichols who has done a good deal of research into the names on the war memorial in Addison Road, said: “My local memorial, St Luke’s Charlotteville, tells the story of how ordinary men, from ordinary families went and did extraordinary things. The First World War changed how future wars would be fought and changed society forever.

“What really amazes me is the history of this conflict was until recently in living memory. Yet recent polls show many British people do not know what year the war started and finished. Even fewer know about the famous battles and only a handful appreciate the part played by soldiers from the Commonwealth.

“Now the story of the war passes into written history, we must not let the memorials fall into ruin and decay. They are the one tangible link to the battlefields, cemeteries and memorials all over the world which bring the events of 100 years ago to life. Otherwise future generations will just see the war as pages in a dusty history book.”

The Guildford Dragon NEWS is following plans being made for events to commemorate next year’s anniversary. We will be reporting on the progress of these and adding own own features and stories about Guildford and its connections with the First World War.