War Memorial Cross In Churchyard 30 Metres To East Of Chancel

The War Memorial Cross, located in the churchyard 30 meters to the east of the chancel in Great Gaddesden, was erected around 1920 and follows a standard design by Sir Reginald Blomfield known as 'The Cross of Sacrifice'. An additional inscription was added after the Second World War (1939-1945). Made of Portland stone, the monument stands approximately 4.5 meters high and faces east. It features a tapering cross with a chamfered rectangular section and expanded ends at the top and arms. The base is moulded and sits on a tall inscribed plinth of elongated octagonal shape, which is elevated by two high steps above two low steps, all sharing a similar design.

A bronze sword, about two-thirds the height of the cross shaft, is affixed to the cross. The sword has a fluted grip, an ogee domed pommel, a simple cross-guard with a central boss and three-lobed ends, and a pronounced central rib along the blade. The primary inscription on the monument honors the local men who lost their lives in the First World War, reading: 'IN MEMORY/OF THE MEN/OF THIS PLACE/WHO FELL/IN THE/GREAT WAR/1914/1918'. At the base of the plinth, there is an additional inscription that states, 'LET US GIVE / HUMBLE THANKS / TO ALMIGHTY GOD / FOR VICTORY'. The memorial lists 18 names and regiments of those commemorated.