Desford War Memorial

First World War memorial with Second World War addition.

DESCRIPTION: Desford War Memorial is located on a roadside corner at the junction of Main Street with Church Lane. It is in close proximity to the Church of St Martin (Grade II*-listed).

The memorial is of rough-hewn, grey granite and takes the form of a tall Latin cross, with an inverted metal sword attached to the south face. The cross shaft terminates in a tapering foot and rises from a four-sided tapering plinth, which in turn surmounts a two-stepped base.

The principal inscription and First World War names are to the south face of the plinth within a smooth, recessed panel. The inscription includes the phrase THEY DIED THAT/ WE MIGHT LIVE written between the dates 1914 and 1919. Recorded below are the 15 names of those who died.

Positioned on the bottom step of the base, against the south face of the upper step, is a later wedge-shaped granite tablet with the Second World War dedication, 1939 – 1945/ (9 NAMES).

All lettering is incised, painted black.

SUBSIDIARY FEATURES: The memorial stands on a small, semi-circular platform of regular-coursed stone with rough-hewn stone kerbs. It is enclosed to the rear by decorative metal railings, painted black, with gold painted urn finials.