War Memorials Listed in the East of England

Little Downham War Memorial, Cambridgeshire

Little Downham War Memorial bears the names of 32 men who lost their lives in the First World War and a further 8 who gave their lives in the Second World War.

The memorial, a stone wheel-head cross on a slender cross shaft, was raised in a service dedicated by the Bishop of Ely in December 1920. The total cost of £150 was covered by a Mr George Darby, and a further £500 was raised by the local community. In the same year, the money was also used to build a clubroom, which still exists.

Little Downham Parish Council restored the memorial in 2014. The names of the men who lost their lives in the Second World War are engraved around the top step.

The memorial inscription reads: "TO THE GLORY OF GOD/ AND IN GRATEFUL MEMORY OF THOSE/ WHO WENT OUT FROM THIS PARISH/ AND LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES FOR US/ IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914-1918/ THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE".

Mepal War Memorial, Cambridgeshire

Mepal War Memorial, a Maltese cross, was unveiled on 8 October 1922. The occasion received extensive coverage in the local press.

The memorial, paid for by public subscription, was created by W T Doe and Son of Soham.

It is dedicated to 13 people who lost their lives in the First World War, with 6 names added after the Second World War. The memorial unusually contains the name of a woman – Nellie Waters – who sadly passed away from pneumonia whilst serving at a military camp in Thetford as part of the Navy Army Canteen Board. She was 22 years old.

The memorial was restored in 2005.

Northchurch War Memorial, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire

A Celtic cross with carved decoration, Northchurch War Memorial sits in the tranquil surroundings of the churchyard of St Mary’s Church. It is a permanent testament to the sacrifices made by 46 local men who lost their lives in the First World War. The memorial was unveiled on 6 March 1920.

Following the Second World War, the names of 13 local men who fell in that conflict were added to the memorial.

In the 1960s, the plinth became unsafe. The cross was re-erected on a new plinth, and the former plinth was moved inside the churchyard wall.

There is an additional monument in the church alongside memorial stones to individuals. One of these is for Charles Ross, killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

Hertford Heath War Memorial, Hertfordshire

The memorial at Hertford Heath, a decorated Celtic cross, was revealed on 28 November 1920.

Villagers gathered at the Church of Hertford Heath and proceeded to the memorial. The Band of the 1st Hertfordshire Regiment was also present during the proceedings, which began with an address, followed by the unveiling and dedication, and the playing of the 'Last Post'. Wreaths were placed around the memorial, and the unveiling was closed to the sound of 'Reveille'.

Funding for the memorial, dedicated to 34 men who lost their lives in the First World War, was provided by a churchyard fund, and Mrs Florence Barclay generously met the balance of the donation.

The names of 10 men who fell during the Second World War were subsequently added to the memorial.

The Missing Pieces Project: Uncover hidden histories and highlight overlooked stories

We'd love you to add your story, photos, and information to listed local war memorials with our Missing Pieces Project. Perhaps someone who fought in the First or Second World War lived in your street, attended your school, got married in your local church, or supported the same football team? Maybe a member of your family is remembered on your local war memorial?

Everything you add is an important piece of the picture. And the more pieces of the picture we have, the better we can remember and protect what makes these war memorials so special.