Lord Lambourne formally laying the foundation stone – Photograph from Alf Wright’s collection
Transcript of Article
GREAT EASTON MEMORIAL
FOUNDATION STONE LAID BY LORD LAMBOURNE
On Wednesday the foundation stone of a memorial to be erected to the men of Great Easton and Tilty who have fallen in the war was laid by Lord Lambourne in the presence of a large gathering. The memorial will be in the form of an octagonal stone column, surmounted by a crucifix. The names of the fallen heroes – 12 in number – are inscribed in the base, and there are some more names to add. The site is the village green, close to the church. The memorial, which will be over 20 ft. high, is the design of the Rector. The names upon it are: Ernest Burls, Walter Wicks, Geo. Jarvis, James Patient, Sergt. Alexander Baltrop, Victor Clarke, Harry Thorogood, Russell Parkins, Cpl. Geo. Perry, Thos. Stammers, Cpl. Cyril Harris, Cpl. Sidney Bass. The Countess of Warwick was among the company present, and the local Volunteers, Boy Scouts, and school children were formed up round the stone.
The Rector, the Rev. H. B. Capel, and choir robed in the church and walked in procession to the site, singing a hymn, and after a prayer the Rector asked Lord Lambourne to lay the base stone, which hung above the pedestal. The stone having been placed in position, Lord Lambourne declared it truly laid “To the honour of God and to the memory of those who have fallen in the war.” Proceeding, his Lordship said the kindness he had always received in that neighbourhood made his visit doubly pleasant. He had now no interests to serve but to live to the Glory of God and his country, and it was for that reason he had come there to lay the foundation stone to the memory of those who have fallen for their country. Easton and Tilty formed but a small part of their vast Empire for which those brave men had fought and died, but the toll of death had been heavy there, as it had in many rural districts of Essex. To him those men were heroes equal to the greatest prince in the land. Those men were not present in the flesh with them to-day, but they were present with them in their minds every day in the year. In the past patriotism was regarded largely as an abstract proposition. Their country had never been ravaged by an enemy, and patriotism had never been properly taught in the school books. It was an idea that only presented itself on occasions. But they were now learning what patriotism really meant. Their heroes had died to enter into a better life, for death was but the stepping stone to a more glorious existence. If that fact was not believed, then they would be the most miserable people in the world. But, thank God, they did believe that this life on earth was but the preparation for a future life, and men who died for their country would surely come into their inheritance. There were many lessons to learn from the present war, and they were learning them, though there was very much yet to learn and many perils to face before they emerged victorious, but they at home must count their trials and self-denials small things in comparison with the dangers, sufferings and sacrifices their brave lads were called upon to endure. They would still fight on until they stood supreme.
The hymn, “O God, our help” was then sung, and after the Benediction and National Anthem the Rector thanked Lord Lambourne and called for cheers for him, which were heartily accorded.
Last updated 10th November 2020
