Dedicated to those who served Aldenham Parish. That includes Letchmore Heath and surrounding areas. The Letchmore Heath War Memorial stands as a solemn reminder of sacrifice. It honors those who served during the Great War. It also remembers those who served in World War II. This Celtic cross on the village green is more than just stone. It represents community and remembrance.
The story of the Letchmore Heath War Memorial begins after World War I. The community wanted to honor those who served. Funds were raised in Aldenham Parish. This included residents from Letchmore Heath. It also included Battlers Green and High Cross.
Lord Rendlesham granted permission in July 1919. The cross would stand on Letchmore Heath Village Green. This was after the village green pond was drained. The hall committee decided to raise funds. The funds were for both the hall and the cross on June 30 1920.
Mr. G Turner was appointed architect. A subcommittee formed. It included Major Edgcombe Mr. Kent and Mr. Tudor. They worked with the architect. Mr. Worby organized voluntary labor. He oversaw building work on the hall. He followed the architect’s instructions.
The Bromsgrove Guild created the cross. It was in place by November 10 1920. The dedication ceremony took place on Sunday December 6 1920. Villagers gathered here. They remembered those who gave their lives.
By December 1920 the hall cost over three thousand pounds. Another fifteen hundred pounds was needed. The final cost to build the hall was almost four thousand pounds. The cross itself cost six hundred sixty-seven pounds. The hall officially opened on January 27 1921.
In December 1920 rails were erected. They protected the cross from cattle. On May 24 1921 the Parish Council made an agreement. The Aldenham Church would be the custodian of the Memorial Cross. Before this the Village Hall and the local Woman’s Institute maintained it.
Look closely at the Letchmore Heath War Memorial. The names of the fallen are inscribed here. The inscription reads To the Glory of God. It also reads In Memory of the Men of Aldenham. They gave their lives in the Great War.
Consider William Bird. Rifleman Bird of the Rifle Brigade died in action. He was only sixteen. Arthur Blake of the East Surrey Regiment also perished. He left behind a wife Annie. Arthur Burnell a Sapper in the Royal Engineers died in action too. He was a husband and a son of Letchmore Heath. Stanley Beale Camp served in the Bedfordshire Regiment. He died at just eighteen years old. Charles Cavill served in the Bedfordshire Regiment. These are just a few of the names. Each represents a life cut short.
The Letchmore Heath War Memorial serves as a focal point. It is for remembrance and reflection. It reminds us of the cost of war. It also reminds us of the importance of peace. Take a moment to reflect on their sacrifice. Remember those who gave their lives. Their names are etched in stone. Their stories live on in our hearts.