“For King and Country.” That phrase echoes from the carved sandstone above the marble plaque at the Malew War Memorial. This memorial stands as a testament to the men of St Marks who bravely enlisted. It is a place of remembrance. We pause here to honor their sacrifice during the Great War of 1914-1918.
The Island, like the UK, deeply felt the loss of its men. One in eight combatants never returned. Their bodies were not recovered. This absence amplified the grief. Communities found solace in memorials like this one. The Malew War Memorial became a focal point for mourning.
These memorials sprang up from 1920 onward. The Manx Quarterly documented them extensively. Many were linked to parish churches. They took various forms. Celtic crosses, wall tablets, stained glass windows, and illuminated books served as tributes. A Knox crafted the lettering on several memorials.
This particular memorial lists the names of those who gave their lives. Their sacrifice is etched in stone. The memorial is made of stone marble and stone sandstone. It serves as a permanent reminder of their bravery.
Grants are available to support the repair of war memorials. The War Memorials Trust offers assistance. They focus on memorials in very bad condition or in poor condition. They also address serious concerns.
The inscription reads “To the glory of God and in grateful memory of the gallant men who enlisted from St Marks.” It continues “And in sacred memory of the following, who gave their lives in the defense of their King and Country in the Great War, 1914-1918.” It is a powerful tribute.
Let us reflect upon the courage and dedication of these men. Their names are forever linked to this hallowed ground at the Malew War Memorial. They will not be forgotten. Their sacrifice shaped the Isle of Man. It shaped the world.