Datchet War Memorial

The Datchet War Memorial was erected in 1920, designed by Sir Lionel Henry Cust, to commemorate the First World War. Later additions were made to record those lost in the Second World War. The memorial is constructed from Portland stone and features marble plaques with leaded lettering.

It takes the form of a hexagonal cenotaph topped with a three-handled urn from which swags hang, interspersed with lion masks in relief. A carved relief below the urn depicts scenes relating to the First World War, including an aircraft, a tank, and an airship. Large shields bearing the arms of the Army, Navy, and RAF are carved into three of the lower corners.

The front plaque reads: "THIS MONUMENT / IS ERECTED BY INHABITANTS OF / DATCHET / TO COMMEMORATE THE GREAT WAR / OF 1914-1919 / AND THE GLORIOUS VICTORY OF / THE BRITISH FORCES AND THEIR ALLIES / BY SEA, ON LAND, AND IN THE AIR / OVER THE COMBINED FORCES OF / GERMANY, AUSTRIA, TURKEY AND BULGARIA / ALSO / TO RECORD THE SHARE TAKEN BY THIS / VILLAGE IN PROMOTING THIS VICTORY / AND / TO PAY GRATEFUL AND REVERENT TRIBUTE / TO THOSE WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES / FOR THEIR KING AND COUNTRY / IN THE CAUSE OF JUSTICE AND FREEDOM."

A second plaque lists the names of Datchet inhabitants who died in service, concluding, "MOURN NOT FOR THEM / FOR THEY CAN NEVER DIE." The third plaque details the numbers of villagers who served in various capacities, including military forces, the Red Cross Society, the Voluntary Aid Detachment, and the War Hospital Supply Depot.

Subsequent marble plaques have been added to the rear of the memorial, listing further names from the First World War and those lost during the Second World War. A plaque on the south face specifically records the names of those who died in the Second World War (1939-1945). The memorial stands on a paved area within a green space, flanked by later, low stone-walled beds with stone copings arranged in a pentagon shape.