Greenham


Memorial

Click on image to enlarge

ID:WB298
UKNIWM:9074
Location:St Mary's Church
OS Map Ref:SU485657
Description:Stained glass window and marble surround
Jump to newspaper report

Inscription:
[Beneath window]
In proud and thankful memory of the men who / laid down their lives in the Great War 1914-1918.
[Left pillar]
1914-18
Henry Bass
Arthur Bew
Frederick Bew
Leonard Bew
Charles Bramley
M Butcher
George Clifton
Frederick Curtis
Ernest J Dangerfield
Charles Gore
Alfred Holmes
Frederick Marsh
1939-45
Michael Baigent
Leonard Farr

[Right pillar]
Sidney Holmes
O V Humphries
Edward J Lawrie
John Liddiard
Reginald Oliver
Horace Parker
John Sawyer
Thomas Skinner
Francis Stratton
Frederick Tidbury
Edmund Vickers
Albert H Skeats
1939-45
Gerald Gore
Kenneth Thorne


What the papers said:

Untitled Document

Greenham War Memorial – Dedication Service, 2 Oct 1921.


Newbury Weekly News, 6 Oct 1921

 

A Beautiful Memorial

Unveiled at Greenham Church


The church of St Mary's, Greenham, is one of the most beautiful in the district, its interior being adorned with mural paintings of great taste. There has just been added a memorial which is harmoniously in keeping with the architectural embellishments, and is a worthy tribute to the men of Greenham who fell in the Great War. It is the generous gift of Mr Lloyd Henry Baxendale, of Greenham Lodge, and forms a handsome feature in the church.

 

The subject of the memorial was suggested by Mrs Baxendale, and consists of a stained glass window with alabaster figures and panelling. The window represents "A night's vigil.". A knight in armour, his hand resting on his sword, his helmet on the ground, is kneeling before an altar above which is a Crucifix, on which he is gazing with "rapt devotion," making his voes before departing on his great adventure. Above him are two angels holding the Crown of Triumph over his head, The scene is full of rich colouring, with artistic architectural details. Three gracefully carved figures stand on alabaster pedestals. The central figure is that of Peace, resting on a two-handed sword. On the right is that of St George, the patron saint of England, and soldiers; on the left that of St Barbara, the patron saint of artillerists, who suffered martyrdom at Nicodemia, 235 AD. Inscribed on the side panels are the names of the Fallen, as follows:

 

  Arthur Bew Sydney Holmes
  Henry Bass O V Humphreys
  Frederick Bew Edward Lawrie
  Leonard Bew John Liddiard
  Charles Bramley Reginald Oliver
  Mark Butcher Horace Parker
  George Clifton Henry Sawyer
  Frederick Curtis Thomas Skinner
  Ernest J Dangerfield Francis Stratton
  Charles Gore Frederick Tidbury
  Alfred Holmes Edmund Vickers

 

The following inscription runs along the front of the window:-

"In pround and thankful memory of the men who laid down their lives in the Great War, 1914-1918."

 

The artist was Mr H Grylls, of the firm of Burlison ahd Grylls, and the alabaster work was carried out by Mr C G Hare, one of the finest modellers in the country.

 

The Unveiling

 

The Memorial was unveiled at a special service on Sunday afternoon, which was attended by a crowded congregation. The seating was superintended by the churchwardens, Messrs C Dalby and C F Paice, and accommodation was reserved for the relatives and friends of the fallen men. The service was conducted by the Vicar (Rev J N Blagden) and was of impressive character. Opening with the sentences of the Burial Service, the names of the men were read. The Psalms were "The Lord is my Shepherd." The hymns included "Jesus Lives," "On the Resurrection morning," and "O God our help."

 

The window which had been covered with the Union Jack, was unveiled by Lieut-Colonel Elkington, DSO, who said - "I am a stranger to many of you, and as such I feel it a great honour to have been asked to unveil this window, which has been given by a well-known parishioner as a mark of respect and gratitude to the brave men of this parish who gave their lives for this country in the Great War. Now let us try to look on this window, not only as a memorial but as a guiding light and a beacon for the future. The men whom this window commemorates have set us a great example; let us endeavour to follow it as they would have wished. There are somewho think there are hard and difficult times before us; others who think the worst is passed; but whatever the future may bring, let us hope we may be able to be calm, think wisely, and act justly. Your dear ones have mande the supreme sacrifice, let it be an inspiration to all of us who remain to try to work together for the common good and make out country happy and prosperous. We learn by suffering, so let us ever remember the lesson of self-sacrifice these gallant men have taught us, that one day, perhaps, it may be said of us also, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." In conclusion I would appeal to you all, and through you to future generations, to guard well this window that it may remain for all time in this beautiful church as a Memorial, a mark of respect, and of very deep gratitude to those brave men of Greenham who laid down their lives for their King and Country.

 

At the close of the service, the National Anthem was sung, followed by a bugler sounding the Last Post. The organist (Mr Russell Wade) played a funeral march, the congregation standing meanwhile.

 

Among those present were Mr and Mrs Lloyd Baxendale, the latter attired in Red Cross unifrom, and wearing her war decorations.


Untitled Document Poppy wreath

Find a memorial :




Untitled Document
 Died this day:
28 March 1916
W Huntley
Welford

British Legion

Like this site? Show your appreciation through a donation to a great charity.


 

Untitled Document