Memorial To Harry Spencer Paramor, St John'S Cemetery

The memorial is a Gothic Revival stone cross erected in 1918 in St John’s Cemetery. The cross features straight arms with diagonal supports resting on a square, pyramidal base with a decorative zigzag band and a stepped square plinth. The shaft of the cross is decorated with a woven, rush matting-like pattern and reeding, topped with a foliate capital and a pyramidal cap. The horizontal crossbar is carved to resemble bound strips, and at the intersection is a roundel bearing the intertwined initials HS.

A bronze plaque affixed to the base commemorates Harry Spencer Paramor, noting his service in France and Europe during 1914-1918 and his death in France on November 7th, 1918, aged 30. He is interred at Terlincthun British Cemetery, Plot 9, Row B, No. 12. Above this plaque is a Memorial Plaque issued by King George V to families of British Empire service personnel killed in action during the First World War. This circular plaque depicts Britannia holding a laurel wreath, with a lion at her feet, and includes the inscription "HE DIED FOR FREEDOM AND HONOUR" along with the name Harry Spencer Paramor. The plaque also incorporates two dolphins, representing Britain's naval power, and a second lion attacking an eagle, symbolizing Germany's imperial emblem. Later inscriptions dedicated to other members of the Paramor family have been carved into the lower part of the base.

The Memorial Plaque, often referred to as a "Dead Man's Penny," was accompanied by a scroll sent by the King to acknowledge the families of those who lost their lives. The plaques included the names of the deceased but not their rank, emphasizing the equal sacrifice made. The memorial is designated at Grade II for its sculptural interest, stemming from the inventive treatment of the traditional memorial cross, resulting in a handsome and unusual monument, and for its historical interest due to the presence of the King's Memorial Plaque, a significant symbol of remembrance for those lost during the First World War.