Standing tall on The Green, a peaceful haven in the heart of Hersham, the Hersham War Memorial stands as a solemn testament to sacrifice. Unveiled on November 7th, 1920, by Colonel Sir WH Horrocks KCB, the memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the men and women from Hersham who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars.
The memorial, a stone Calvary Cross, was initially positioned in the middle of a pond. This pond was later drained in 1952, transformed into a memorial garden, where the cross now stands as a focal point. The inscription on the memorial reads, “IN MEMORY OF THE GREAT WAR/ 1914-1919/ AND OF THE MEN OF HERSHAM/ WHO FOUGHT THEREIN”. And further down, it continues, “1939-1945/ TO THE GLORIOUS MEMORY / OF/ THE MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN/ OF HERSHAM/ WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE/ IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR”. The plinth of the memorial is engraved with the names of 115 individuals from Hersham who perished in the First World War.
The memorial is classified as Grade II on the National Heritage List for England, a testament to its historical importance and architectural merit. It stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance, a place where families and friends can come to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom. The Hersham War Memorial is a place to ponder, a place to remember, a place to honor the bravery of those who paid the ultimate price.