Penge War Memorial

This is a First World War memorial, erected in 1925 with later additions commemorating the Second World War. The memorial is constructed from granite and stands approximately 15 feet high. It takes the form of a Celtic cross set upon a tapered plinth and a two-stepped base. A sword of sacrifice is carved into the cross.

The First World War dedicatory plaque, featuring a carved wreath, is located on the front face of the plinth and reads: "ERECTED / BY THE / RESIDENTS OF PENGE / TO THE / GLORY OF GOD / IN PROUD MEMORY OF THOSE / WHO MADE / THE SUPREME SACRIFICE / IN / THE GREAT WAR / 1914-1918." Plaques listing the names of local men who died in the First World War are affixed to the front and both sides of the upper step.

A plaque on the front face of the lower step commemorates those who have died in conflicts and peace-keeping missions since the Second World War and reads: "ALSO REMEMBERED / WITH GRATEFUL APPRECIATION / THOSE WHO, SINCE THE SECOND WORLD WAR, / HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES IN CONFLICTS / AND PEACE-KEEPING MISSIONS / THROUGHOUT THE WORD."

The Second World War plaque, added in 1947, is situated above the First World War plaque at the base of the shaft and reads: "ALSO / IN MEMORY OF / THE MEN AND WOMEN OF H.M. FORCES / CIVIL DEFENCE AND CIVILIAN POPULATION / OF PENGE / WHO LOST THEIR LIVES / IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR / 1939 – 1945."

A plaque on the rear of the top step bears the inscription "UNVEILED BY FRANCIS P. HODES ESQ. J.P / CHAIRMAN OF THE / PENGE URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL / 1921 - 22". A plaque on the rear of the bottom step reads "EBBUTT & SONS LTD / CROYDON".