Silent sentinels stand, a tall stone cross that commemorates sacrifice. This is the Sanderstead War Memorial. It stands outside All Saints Church. The Sanderstead War Memorial serves as a permanent testament to the sacrifices of the local community.
Let’s take a closer look. The tall decorated cross is Cornish granite. It rests on an octagonal plinth. Four bronze plaques adorn the plinth. Each plaque has floral designs that represent the four home nations. You can see the English Tudor rose, Scottish thistle, Irish shamrock and Welsh leek. Lady Justice appears at the top of each.
The front plaque bears an inscription. It reads: 1914 – 1919 / ALL YE WHO / PASS BY / REMEMBER / WITH / GRATITUDE / THE MEN OF / THIS PLACE / WHO WENT FORTH / TO FIGHT FOR / GOD AND COUNTRY. / THE NAMES / OF THOSE WHO / RETURNED NOT / AGAIN ARE HEREON / INSCRIBED / R.I.P. The other three plaques list the names of the fallen. The plinth rests on a four-step base. The uppermost step bears bronze plaques. These plaques list the names of those who fell in the Second World War. Civilians killed in air raids are also commemorated. The Sanderstead War Memorial lies on a raised walled limestone dais.
The aftermath of the First World War triggered widespread commemoration. Tens of thousands of memorials went up across England. This was because of the immense loss of British lives. Also, official policy dictated that the dead would not be repatriated. This meant that memorials became the main focal point for grief.
The Sanderstead War Memorial was unveiled on 15th May 1920. Air Commodore J B Hearson attended the ceremony. It was re-dedicated on 9th November 1947. The Bishop Suffragan of Croydon officiated. The memorial commemorates 33 regiments. Unusually, more commissioned officers than other ranks are listed as killed. This reflects the social makeup of Sanderstead at the time.
Tragedy struck in 2011. Two of the copper plaques were stolen. The church and local organizations raised money to replace them. The new plaques were dedicated in November 2013.
The Sanderstead War Memorial is Grade II listed. It has historic interest. It eloquently witnesses the tragic impact of world events on the local community. It also recognizes the sacrifices they made in the conflicts of the 20th century. Its architectural interest lies in its imposing and dignified stone cross design. It also has group value. It stands alongside the Grade I listed All Saints Church.
This memorial stands as a reminder. War Memorials Trust offers grants. These grants support the repair and conservation of war memorials. They focus on memorials in very bad or poor condition. They also address situations where there is a serious concern.
Approximately 60 names are listed for World War I. A similar number are listed for World War II on the Sanderstead War Memorial. As you leave, remember the words inscribed here. Remember the gratitude owed to those who served. The Sanderstead War Memorial is a lasting tribute to their courage.