Leatherhead War Memorial

Amidst the serene Garden of Remembrance stands the Leatherhead War Memorial. It’s a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the World Wars. The Leatherhead War Memorial isn’t just a structure. It’s a story etched in stone and bronze, a testament to the courage and resilience of a community. The memorial was unveiled and dedicated on April 3, 1921. Major General Sir John Longley and the Vicar of Leatherhead presided over the ceremony. The memorial’s main structure, a brick and stone arcade with eleven recessed arches, was a gift from Mr. C.F. Leach. He donated it in memory of his son, 2nd-Lieut. Grey de Leche Leach, who fell during the war. The townspeople funded the Cross of Sacrifice and the inscribed tablets. The central arch of the Leatherhead War Memorial bears a dedication tablet for World War I. A bronze plaque beneath lists 69 names from World War II. The other arches each hold tablets with the names of 117 casualties from the First World War. The inscription on the central arch reads: “TO THE MEMORY OF THE SONS OF LEATHERHEAD… GIVING UP THEIR OWN LIVES THAT OTHERS MIGHT LIVE IN FREEDOM.” The names listed on the Leatherhead War Memorial represent more than just soldiers. They represent fathers, sons, brothers, and friends. Each name whispers a story of loss and sacrifice. They serve as a constant reminder of the enduring impact of war on the community of Leatherhead. The garden surrounding the memorial offers a quiet space for reflection. It’s a place to remember those who served and those who never returned. The Leatherhead War Memorial stands as a symbol of remembrance, a place where the echoes of the past intertwine with the present. It reminds us to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us and to strive for a future where peace prevails.