As usual, things in Carshalton have an interesting backstory. First, a little about the original War Memorial pictured above. It was designed by Sidney Tatchell FRIBA and Edward Bouchier FRIBA (Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects), and constructed by a company called A Burslem & Son.
On 13th March 1921 the stone monument was unveiled by Major John Raynsford Longley, who from 1920 to 1939 held the colonelcy of the East Surrey Regiment – which at this time, Carshalton was a part of.
Who does it commemorate?
The memorial by the Ponds commemorates the First World War (1914-1918), Second World War (1939-1945), and Northern Ireland Conflict; The Troubles (1969-1998). The memorial at one point had fine brass plaques, which were later replaced by stone.
What is the War Memorial Garden?
This is a small garden area by the ponds. The Church of England sold the nearby Lodge and surrounding land to the council in 1944. The Lodge was originally completely surrounded by a wall, partly demolished to make way for this new public garden. It is sometimes referred to as the Carshalton Garden of Remembrance and was opened on Sunday 9 September 1951.
What is the other memorial?
A second memorial, built of brick (in the background of the photo above) was unveiled on Sunday 2 August 2014, to commemorate 100 years after the start of the First World War – and instigated by members of the serving local Liberal Democrat council. It is known as the World War 2 Memorial and was designed by Councillor Hamish Pollock RIBA RIAS BA Hons Dip Arch (retired from council in 2018).
What is Remembrance Sunday?
According to the Royal British Legion: “Remembrance Sunday is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life. We remember the Armed Forces, and their families, from Britain and the Commonwealth, the vital role played by the emergency services and those who have lost their lives as a result of conflict or terrorism.”
To donate to the RBL Poppy Appeal, please click here
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