Summary
First World War memorial, 1920, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Merrow War Memorial, which stands in the churchyard of the Church of St John the Evangelist, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on this local community, and the sacrifice it has made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: a tall and elegant memorial cross;
* Group value: with the Church of St John the Evangelist (Grade II-listed).
History
Merrow War Memorial was unveiled on 20 July 1920 by General Lord Rawlinson, commander of the Fourth Army for much of the First World War including the Battle of the Somme in 1916. It was dedicated by Bishop Hose. The memorial commemorates the 39 local servicemen who died during the First World War and 13 lost during the Second World War. The memorial was renovated at a cost of c£18,000, including the renewal of the foundations, and re-dedicated by the Right Reverend John Kirkham on 12 July 2002.
Details
The tall sandstone memorial stands in the churchyard of the Church of St John the Evangelist (Grade II). It comprises a Latin cross rising from a moulded collar on an octagonal shaft. That stands on a plinth, square on plan, with on each side a rose carved in relief at the centre of a blind quatrefoil. The plinth is raised on a four-stepped base. The lower step has a slight overhang for the placement of floral tributes.
End of official list entry
