War Memorial In Churchyard Of St Marys Church

BENTWORTH

430/0/10010 CHURCH STREET 08-DEC-05 War Memorial in churchyard of St Mary' s Church

GV II War memorial. 1920 Erected by Messrs. Noon and Company of Guildford. Doulting limestone. DESCRIPTION: The memorial consists of a four step base on which stands a tapering octagonal shaft on a small square plinth block. Above the plinth, at the base of the shaft is a moulded ring decoration. The slightly floriated Latin cross at the top of the shaft also has a moulded ring decoration at its base. On the top west facing step of the base is a dedication to the men of the parish who fell in the Great War which reads: 'Sacred to the men of Bentworth who fell in the Great War 1914-1918 leaving to us who pass where they passed an undying example of faithfulness and willing service.' On the top step panel facing south are inscribed four names in alphabetical order, including that of Lt. Col. Neville Elliot-Cooper VC, DSO MC of the Royal Fusiliers. On the same step on panels facing north and east are inscribed five names on each panel arranged in alphabetical order. On the third step facing west, is the inscription: '1939-1945. And in second dedication to the memory of those others who passing later also fell leaving no less glorious name.' On the same step, panels facing south east and north are inscribed, in alphabetical order, with three names on each panel.

HISTORY: The decision for the erection of the First World War memorial was made at a parish meeting on 7th February 1920. It was erected by Messrs. Noon and Company of Guildford, and was dedicated on the 28th November 1920 by the Rev. AG Bather. The memorial was unveiled by Major General Jeffreys CB, CMG, of Burkham, who was officer in command of the London District.

SUMMARY OF IMPORTANCE: This plain but elegant memorial has an intrinsic historic interest, and the link it forges between the local community and world events gives it additional significance. It also has group value with St. Mary's Church and the Hankin family tomb in the churchyard.

This List entry has been amended to add sources for War Memorials Online and the War Memorials Register. These sources were not used in the compilation of this List entry but are added here as a guide for further reading, 6 December 2016.