Imagine if these bricks could talk. What stories would the Rainham Clocktower War Memorial tell? This hexagonal tower stands as a solemn reminder. It honors those who gave their lives in war. The Rainham Clocktower War Memorial is not just a monument. It is a symbol of remembrance.
The Rainham Clocktower War Memorial is located between Broadway and Upminster Road. It stands proudly in front of Saint Helen and Saint Giles Church. The Rainham War Memorial was erected in 1920. Mr. Vinton was the builder. Colonel Sir Francis Henry Douglas Charlton Whitmore unveiled it on November 7, 1920. He was Lord Lieutenant of Essex. He served from 1936 to 1958.
The Rainham Clocktower War Memorial is constructed of red Belgian brick. Portland stone dressings add to its beauty. Portland stone comes from the Isle of Portland, Dorset. Cast stone ornamentation further enhances its appearance. Three sides of the tower feature clock faces. The names of the war dead are inscribed on a sloping base. Stone blocks declare “Lest We Forget.” They stand at angles to the tower.
Inscription panels adorn the sides of the Rainham Clocktower War Memorial. Narrow pilasters decorate the angles. Arches grace a niche and doorway. A parapet with balustrade crowns the top. Iron railings surround the Rainham Clocktower War Memorial.
Second Lieutenant Ralph Luxmore Curtis is one name honored here. He was a World War I flying ace. He achieved fifteen aerial victories. Curtis, a Rainham native, faced Hermann Göring in combat. Göring later commanded the Luftwaffe.
The Rainham Clocktower War Memorial became a Grade II listed structure on March 25, 2002. This designation recognizes its national importance. It acknowledges its special interest.
Red poppy wreaths often surround the Rainham Clocktower War Memorial. They are laid to commemorate the area’s fallen soldiers. The Remembrance Day service occurs annually on November 11. Residents place crosses and poppy wreaths near the monument. They show their respects.
The Rainham Clocktower War Memorial is more than just bricks and stone. It embodies the community’s collective memory. It stands as a reminder of sacrifice. It embodies resilience. The clock continues to tick. It marks the passage of time. It ensures that their memory lives on.
Take a moment to reflect. Consider the weight of history held within this structure. The Rainham Clocktower War Memorial calls us to remember. It urges us to honor those who served. It inspires us to strive for peace.