Silent stone stands as a solemn reminder. This is the Kelvedon Hatch War Memorial. It stands near the junction of School Road and A128 Ongar Road in Kelvedon Hatch Essex. The Kelvedon Hatch War Memorial is listed on the National Heritage List for England.
The Kelvedon Hatch War Memorial commemorates the fallen of this parish. It honors those who served in the Great War 1914-1918 and World War II 1939-45. The memorial ensures that we never forget their sacrifices.
Let us reflect on some of the names etched into the stone of the Kelvedon Hatch War Memorial. Sidney G. Mullock was an Acting Lieutenant-Colonel. He served in the 2nd Battalion Essex Regiment. Sidney was killed in action on April 12 1917. He is buried in Hervin Farm British Cemetery in France.
John Iltid Royds was a Lieutenant. He served in the 1st/28th County of London Battalion. John was killed in action on March 22 1918 at the age of 40. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial in France.
Reginald Hunt served in the Royal Army Service Corps. He died in the United Kingdom on November 6 1918 at the age of 28. Reginald is buried in SS. Philip and James Churchyard Worcestershire.
John King was a Private in the 13th Battalion Essex Regiment. He was killed in action on November 13 1916. John is buried in Serre Road Cemetery No. 2 France.
Bertie Cowling served in the 6th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment. He was killed in action on October 14 1916. Bertie is buried in Vermelles British Cemetery France.
Sidney Metson served in the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers. He died on November 23 1917. Sidney is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial France.
Harry Reginald Bannard was a Lance Sergeant in the Royal Artillery. He died on September 12 1944 at the age of 33. Harry is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial.
Allan Robert Ellis served in the Royal Corps of Signals. He died on May 21 1943 at the age of 21. Allan is buried in Sidon War Cemetery Lebanese Republic.
Robert Lionel John Fitch was a Squadron Leader in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He died on May 21 1945 at the age of 26. Robert is buried in St. Nicholas Churchyard Kelvedon Hatch. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Leonard William Joyce was a Lance Bombardier in the Royal Horse Artillery. He died on January 15 1943 at the age of 27. Leonard is buried in St. Nicholas Churchyard Kelvedon Hatch.
Lewis Kenneth Kershaw was a Flying Officer in the Royal Air Force. He died on November 27 1942 at the age of 22. Lewis is buried in Auxi-Le-Chateau New Communal Cemetery France. His brother Eric Stanley also died on service.
Eric Stanley Kershaw was a Lieutenant in the Royal Tank Regiment. He died on August 16 1944 at the age of 21. Eric is buried in Tilly-Sur-Seulles War Cemetery France.
Arthur William Saye served in the Pioneer Corps. He died on February 23 1943 at the age of 36. Arthur is buried in Medjez-El-Bab War Cemetery Tunisia.
The Kelvedon Hatch War Memorial stands as a testament. It reminds us of the high price of freedom. It calls us to remember those who gave their lives. Their names echo through time, preserved in the heart of Kelvedon Hatch.