‘Welcome’, the sign says, but I wasn’t, because the church was locked (although not, I am happy to say, hurriedly on my arrival. At least, I don’t think so).
But we do have a war memorial,…
…and by the looks of it, an interesting one at that – not that they aren’t all interesting, but you know what I mean.
The memorial, unveiled on 5th October 1919, features a stone cross with a bronze figure of the crucified Christ,…
…the main memorial panel beneath.
The other three sides feature panels on which the names of the Great War dead are inscribed,…
…beneath which…
…the Second World War names have been later added.
There are one hundred and sixteen Great War names,…
…and forty seven from the Second World War,…
…including four civilians.
Meanwhile,…
…in the churchyard,…
…a CWGC headstone,…
…that of Private Harry Stanley Fairweather, Suffolk Regiment, who died on 31st July 1916.
And another,…
…this the grave of Private Leonard Kemp, Suffolk Regiment, who died of wounds on 8th June 1918, aged 30. His younger brother Stanley, killed in action aged 22 on 13th October 1915, is also remembered on this headstone; his name can be found on the Loos Memorial.
The CWGC headstone seen here…
…marks the grave of Private Arthur George Runacres, Royal Fusiliers, who died of wounds on 24th June 1921, over eighteen months after the war’s end, aged 29,…
…and nearby, Able Seaman A. G. Harper, Royal Navy (“H.M.S. Pembroke”), who died on 12th March 1919 aged 21.
Elsewhere in Leiston,…
…years of scanning buildings for evidence of plaques or tablets…
…paid off on this occasion.
I know Leiston very well and will try and find time to visit the memorial, next time I holiday near there. I understand that there is a memorial in Bury St. Edmunds for all the Suffolks who fell in the GW (?). Thanks for what you do. I find it very interesting.. and sad.
Thanks Graham. Much appreciated. I do know that there’s a Boer War memorial in a square in Bury St Edmunds which is definitely worth a visit.
Another of those funny little coincidences. Stanley Kemp was with the 7th Suffolks when he was killed during the battle of Loos. On the 13th October 1915 the battalion were tasked with attacking at ‘Hairpin’ in the Quarries’ sector, which is the exact location I’m working at today! I’ll be sure to pay tribute to him whilst I’m there
How funny. Perfect timing! I do hope a good day is being had!
It’s been a superb day thanks. Managed to get into a German tunnel system very close to Hairpin, parts of which were still timber lined! A bit snug compared to the British tunnels opposite, roughly 3ft x 4ft, so even I couldn’t stand upright lol. Got some great photos though.
Heh heh heh!! Very good. Sounds brilliant.