Moreton-in-Marsh and Batsford War Memorial facts for kids
The Moreton-in-Marsh and Batsford War Memorial is a special monument in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, England. It remembers people from Moreton and Batsford who died in the First World War and Second World War.
Building the memorial started in November 1920 on the High Street. It is made from Hollington stone and stands about 7.3 meters (24 feet) tall. A company from Cheltenham, R. I. Boulton and Sons, built it. The famous architect Guy Dawber designed it.
At the very top, you can see a carving of St. George and the Dragon. This part was created by the sculptor Allan G. Wyon from London. The whole memorial cost about £700, which was mostly paid for by donations from the public.
Contents
What is a War Memorial?
A war memorial is a monument built to honor soldiers and civilians who died in wars. They help us remember the sacrifices made and the importance of peace. This memorial helps the communities of Moreton and Batsford remember their lost loved ones.
Building the Memorial
The construction of the memorial began in November 1920. It was placed on the High Street in Moreton-in-Marsh. The stone used is called Hollington stone, which comes from Staffordshire. The design was created by Guy Dawber, a well-known architect.
What Does it Look Like?
The memorial has five steps shaped like an octagon at its base. On top of these steps is a large block with panels. Around the top of this block, you can read the words: "In grateful memory of the men of Moreton and Batsford who gave their lives in the Great War".
Forty-four names of men who died in the First World War are carved onto four of these panels. Later, a fifth panel was added. It says: "These men also gave their lives 1939-1945" and lists seven names from the Second World War.
Above this block, there is another section with decorated panels. These panels show the coat of arms for Gloucestershire and St. George, painted in bright colors. On top of this, an eight-sided pillar rises up. This pillar is topped with the carved figure of St. George and the Dragon.
The Unveiling Ceremony
The memorial was officially revealed on Saturday, March 26, 1921. A large crowd of people from Moreton and nearby villages came to see it. More than seventy members of the local Comrades of the Great War marched in a parade.
The Girl Guides and Boy Scouts also paraded. Nurses from the VAD Hospital at Kitebrook, led by Mrs Pritchard OBE, were also part of the ceremony. Sir Gilbert Wills of Batsford Park gave a short speech. Then, Lord Redesdale formally unveiled the monument.
Later Additions
Over the years, more names have been added to the memorial. In 2001, the name of a person who died during peacetime was added. In 2018, the name of a female SOE agent was included. She was killed in a concentration camp in 1944.
Learning More
You can learn even more about this memorial and the people it remembers. A book called Moreton in Marsh & Batsford War Memorial by Kenneth Fowler was written about it. This book also includes information about military burials in Moreton-in-Marsh cemetery.
