Stratton War Memorial

The Stratton War Memorial is a memorial dedicated to those who served in the First and Second World Wars. It was erected in 1919, designed by Frederick Maltby, with names of those who fell in the Second World War added after 1945.

Constructed from Purbeck ashlar, the memorial is located on the south side of Dorchester Road, just north of the churchyard of St Mary’s Church, facing north. It stands near the Grade I listed medieval church and the Grade II* listed medieval churchyard cross. The memorial features a tall, elongated Latin stone cross approximately 3 meters high, with a tapering octagonal shaft and crossarm. A longsword is carved in raised relief on the cross, with the crossguard aligning with the junction of the shaft and crossarm, and a stone wreath hangs over the crossarm.

The shaft is set on an octagonal plinth, which is supported by a four-tier stepped octagonal base, giving a total height of 1.2 meters. The front of the plinth bears an inscription in black lettering that commemorates those from the parish who served, endured hardships, faced dangers, and made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Three sides of the plinth list 10 names, including rank and regiment. The east side also commemorates those who fell in the World War of 1939 to 1945, including three names of the Fallen.

A stone kerb surrounds the memorial, with additional kerb stones creating paths leading to the north, east, west, and south sides. The memorial is framed by two trees on the east and west, which were part of the original design scheme.