Is it possible for stone to speak? Standing before the Romford War Memorial, one might think so. This monument whispers tales of courage and sacrifice. It stands as a tribute to those who gave their lives in service.
The Romford War Memorial is a First World War civic memorial. It was designed by architect JW Hammond in 1921. The memorial records the names of the fallen. It also honors service members and civilians who died in the Second World War.
After World War I, communities erected thousands of memorials. This was due to the immense loss of life. Britain did not repatriate the dead. Memorials became the focus for grieving families. The Romford War Memorial became a permanent testament to local sacrifice.
Lord Lambourne dedicated the memorial on September 18, 1921. The Romford Times documented the event. The memorial originally honored 361 servicemen from World War I. The inscription honored those who died for their King and Country.
Later, the inscription was amended. It included the dates of the Second World War. A separate commemoration for that war was the Romford War Memorial Old Folks Club. It opened in 1953. In 1970, the memorial was moved. It went from Laurie Square to its current location in Coronation Gardens. This move accommodated the construction of a ring road. The memorial was rededicated on November 10, 1996.
In 2014, the names of 255 servicemen lost in World War II were added. Also added were the names of 141 civilians. Fifty-five of those civilians died during one night of the Blitz.
The Romford War Memorial is a plain wheel-head cross. It sits on a tall tapering plinth. The plinth has a molded cap and base. The memorial is made of Portland stone. Sunken panels bear inscriptions. The front panel reads: “To the Glory of God and in Memory of the People of Romford who gave their lives for King and Country in the Wars of 1914-1919, 1939-1945. Their Name Liveth for Evermore.” The sides list 361 names.
Stone slabs at the base record the names of 141 civilians who died in World War II. The lower step has the names of 255 fallen servicemen. A Burma Star memorial stone adjoins the cross.
The Romford War Memorial has undergone conservation. This preserves its integrity. Engravers recently added a newly recognized name. They ensured the lettering matched the original style. Repairs were also made to damaged lead letters.
The Romford War Memorial stands as a symbol. It represents the community’s enduring commitment to remember those who sacrificed. This war memorial serves as a focal point of remembrance. It helps people remember for generations to come.