Birchcliffe War Memorial

MATERIALS: stone cenotaph and curtain walls with bronze plaques and detailing.

DESCRIPTION: Birchcliffe War Memorial is located to the right hand side of the main approach to the former Birchcliffe Baptist Church. It consists of a stone cenotaph flanked by stepped, curved curtain walls. The cenotaph has a central full height panel which is set forward and inscribed; this is embellished by a bronze wreath at the apex above an egg and dart band. The flanking higher curtain walls have inset bronze plaques with stone surrounds inscribed with the names of the Fallen. Inverted bronze torches are located to either side of the plaques which are said to represent the extinguishing of the lives of the Fallen. The memorial sits on a single stepped base on a raised site which is reached by a set of four steps.

The front face of the cenotaph has an incised inscription which reads TO THE/ MEMORY OF/ THE MEN/ FROM THIS CHURCH/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES/ FOR US/ IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914 – 1919/ THEY LAID THEIR RICHEST GIFT/ - THEIR LIVES -/ ON THE ALTAR OF SACRIFICE/ LET THEIR NAMES BE REMEMBERED.