Saltash, UK — In a heartfelt effort to rectify historical oversights, Saltash is set to commemorate 77 soldiers whose names were previously omitted from the town’s war memorials.
This initiative, spearheaded by local historian and researcher Peter Clements, aims to add these fallen heroes’ names to two new stone benches that will be placed next to the existing World War One memorial at St Nicholas and St Faith Church.
The campaign began in 2016 when Clements was tasked with investigating the names of Saltash casualties who fought in the Battle of the Somme. His research revealed that of the 10 casualties he identified, only seven were memorialized.
Determined to correct this injustice, Clements uncovered a total of 77 missing names from both World War One and World War Two, none of which were previously included on Saltash’s memorials.
Unearthing the Past
Peter Clements, a dedicated researcher with a passion for war graves and memorials, embarked on a mission to uncover the missing names after being approached to examine the Saltash casualties from the Battle of the Somme.
“I thought I must investigate this to try and find out why. What I really didn’t understand was just what I was letting myself in for,” Clements reflected on his initial foray into this project.
The investigation revealed that many of the names were missing due to a variety of reasons. Some soldiers had died after the initial lists of casualties were compiled, while others had been left out because their families were not aware of the subscription-based system used to fund the original memorials.
Clements explained, “The war memorials were funded by subscription; if you gave a subscription your loved one’s name was brought to the attention of the list compiler and finished up on the war memorial.”
Community and Council Support
To address these omissions, Saltash Town Council has initiated a fundraising campaign to finance two new stone benches that will bear the engraved names of the 77 soldiers.
The benches will be positioned alongside the existing World War One memorial at St Nicholas and St Faith Church. The estimated cost of the benches exceeds £14,000, with only approximately £300 raised to date.
Despite the modest fundraising progress, the Town Council has pledged to cover the remaining costs to ensure the project’s completion.
Councillor Richard Bickford stated, “The town council has already agreed to back the project so we will pick up the balance of what’s not picked up through donations.” The council’s commitment highlights their dedication to ensuring that these fallen soldiers are properly honored.
A Personal Mission
Barry Brooking, a local veteran and active campaigner for the recognition of Saltash’s fallen soldiers, has been a driving force behind this project.
Having served in the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Commandos, and with personal connections to wartime losses, Brooking expressed his deep commitment to ensuring that all fallen soldiers are remembered.
“It’s always been a passion of mine to ensure those who have fallen on our behalf in active service and the like be properly remembered,” Brooking said. His dedication is evident in his continued efforts to secure the official recognition of these soldiers during his lifetime.
Brooking’s personal connection to the cause is underscored by his service in the Royal Navy and the Royal Marine Commandos, as well as his family’s wartime losses.
“When I was on active service, I saw my colleagues, some of whom were badly wounded and killed,” he shared. This personal experience has fueled his determination to see the project through.
The Historical Significance
The missing names include 44 soldiers from World War One and 33 from World War Two. These figures represent not only individual lives lost but also the collective sacrifice of the Saltash community during the conflicts.
By adding these names to the new memorial benches, Saltash aims to honor the full scope of its wartime sacrifice and provide closure to the families of the fallen soldiers.
The project is not just about adding names to a list; it is a significant gesture of remembrance and respect.
For many in the community, the new memorial benches will serve as a powerful symbol of gratitude and recognition for those who gave their lives in service to their country.
Moving Forward
As the fundraising efforts continue, the Saltash community remains hopeful that the project will reach its financial goal and the new memorial benches will be completed in the near future.
The addition of these names to the war memorials will ensure that the contributions of all 77 soldiers are remembered and celebrated.
In the words of Clements, “It is important that we remember these soldiers not just for their bravery but for their sacrifice and the legacy they left behind.”
The new memorial benches will stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of remembrance and the commitment of Saltash to honor its fallen heroes.
As the project progresses, the Saltash community and the Town Council’s unwavering support will play a crucial role in bringing this long-awaited recognition to fruition.
The new memorial will not only complete the town’s war memorials but also serve as a lasting tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served and fell in the Great Wars.
