Pause here a moment. The Caterham War Memorial stands as a testament to sacrifice. It commemorates those from this community who died in the First World War.
This Grade II listed memorial is not just stone. It’s a story etched in Portland stone. It speaks of a community’s grief and remembrance. The Caterham War Memorial is located within the churchyard of St Lawrence’s Church.
Look closely at the Calvary wheel-head cross. Notice the carved figure of Christ. The cross rises from a tapering shaft. It stands on a square plinth. Carved details include a wreath. The whole memorial rests on a shallow square base.
Thomas Mewburn Crook sculpted the Caterham Hill War Memorial. He was a prominent sculptor. Crook also created war memorials for other churches.
The inscription bears a poignant message. It reads “TO THE MEMORY OF THOSE WHOSE NAMES ARE INSCRIBED ON THE TABLET WITHIN ST MARYS CHURCH” on the north, west and south sides of the plinth. On the east face, it says “DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI”. This Latin phrase translates to “It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country.”
The Caterham Hill War Memorial was unveiled on 12 March 1921. The Bishop of Southwark dedicated it. Major General G D Jeffreys unveiled it. The memorial cost approximately £534. Donations from the community funded it.
After the First World War, communities erected thousands of memorials. This was because of the immense loss of life. Also, the official policy was not to repatriate the dead. The memorials became the focus of grief. They provided a place for remembrance.
In 2015, the Caterham War Memorial was cleaned and conserved. The War Memorials Trust provided grant aid for this project.
Consider also St Lawrence’s Hospital Staff War Memorial. It was originally in the hospital chapel. The Bourne Society moved it from Caterham Cemetery. It now resides inside St. Mary’s Church.
131 men of the hospital staff volunteered during the Great War. Twenty died in action. The staff erected a memorial after the war. A plaque was added after the Second World War. The hospital chapel was demolished in 1996. The memorial was moved to Caterham Cemetery.
The Caterham War Memorial is more than a monument. It is a place to reflect. It stands as a reminder of duty, sacrifice, and remembrance.