The Parish War Memorial

Once it became apparent that the Great War would not be over by Christmas 1914 and as the extent and nature of the conflict became obvious, St. Saviour’s began a fund in order to erect a memorial to those who died serving in the armed forces. 

It was decided at an early stage that this should include all known fatalities of the war regardless of whether they attended the parish church. Funds were solicited at special bi-monthly collections which began in October 1915 and continued until November 1919. 

Initially the intention was to commission a large Calvary with flanking name panels to be situated in or near the Baptistery. 
The War Memorial in its original position in 1919
Although St. Saviour’s is situated in what has always been the poorest part of the town, significant sums were raised. 

However, in 1919 when a parish sub-committee was formed to progress the project the Vicar pointed out that very little had actually been done by the government to provide financial support to those who had lost breadwinners, or indeed who had been so badly wounded that they would be unable to work. It was therefore unanimously decided that “The most fitting and preferable action should be that this parish shall undertake to provide for those left bereft by the sacrifice of the menfolk through the provision of monetary support”.

Consequently, small pensions were created using the funds which had been subscribed and these were topped up by several large anonymous donations. Several pensioners were still being paid into the 1930s. 
Meanwhile it was decided that the names of those who had fallen should be inscribed on a simple memorial which was designed and made by William Jones, a joiner and member of the congregation. 

The memorial was created as three panels framing lists of names surmounted by a small Calvary. Space was provided to support banners representing the three armed services, although these were removed many years ago.

The creation of the narthex at the west end of the church in the 1980s meant that the War Memorial along with several other features associated with the baptistery were effectively cut off from the body of the church and so the War memorial was moved from there to its present position near the Lady Chapel. 

In addition, a stained glass window featuring the figures of St.George and Christ costing £119 was dedicated by the Bishop of Colchester in 1919.

The war memorial in it's position today

the War Memorial window


Did You Know?
Servicemen killed during the Great War (1914-1918) were not brought home for burial and so for many people the parish war memorial was the nearest thing they had to a grave to visit

The Church Organ