Summary
First World War memorial, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Foulness Island War Memorial is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifices it made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: as a dignified and imposing marble war memorial;
* Group value: with the adjacent Grade II-listed Church of St Mary the Virgin and the various Grade II-listed headstones in the churchyard.
History
The aftermath of the First World War saw the biggest single wave of public commemoration ever with tens of thousands of memorials erected across England. This was the result of both the huge impact on communities of the loss of three quarters of a million British lives, and also the official policy of not repatriating the dead: therefore the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss. One such memorial was raised on Foulness Island as a permanent testament to the sacrifices made by the members of the local community. It was made by Percy F Smith, a Southend stonemason. Further inscriptions were added at some point after the Second World War to honour the Fallen of that conflict. The memorial continues to form the focus of the local community's annual Remembrance commemorations.
Details
Rectangular pillar topped by an orb with finial and draping swags; on the front face of the orb is a small shield bearing the dates 1914/1919. The front face of the pillar has a carving of two rifles crossing, backed by leaves. This stands atop a square base; the front face bears the inscription: To the Glory of God / AND IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE OF / THE MEN FROM THIS PARISH WHO FELL / IN THE GREAT WAR / (7 names, with dates of death), and the back face: To the Glory of God / AND IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE OF / THE MEN FROM THIS PARISH WHO FELL / IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR / 1939-1945 / (3 names, with dates of death). This rests on another plinth, reading - front: "Be thou faithful unto death.", and back: "Percy F Smith / Southend". The whole rests on a stone slab.
End of official list entry
