Gen. Colvin at the Unveiling of the Memorial Photograph from Alf Wright’s collection
Transcript of Article
GREAT EASTON WAR MEMORIAL
The village memorial at Great Easton, the foundation-stone of which was laid a few weeks ago by Lord Lambourne, was unveiled on Wednesday by General R.B. Colvin, C.B., M.P.
The memorial is a handsome octagonal column of Portland stone, 20 feet high, surmounted by a crucifix, erected on the village green near the Church. On the square foundation-block is an inscription, followed by the names of the fallen, which have already been printed in the Essex County Chronicle. The choir assembled in the church, and with the Rector, the Rev. H.B. Capel, the originator of the memorial, proceeded to the Green singing a processional hymn, and after special prayers, Gen. Colvin removed the Union Jack which veiled the memorial, at the foot of which was placed a large laurel wreath. Volunteers, under Capt. A.E. Floyd, formed a guard of honour.
Gen. Colvin said that tribute to the dead heroes meant an exhortation to the living. The war had revealed the splendid fighting spirit, of which before they were but dimly conscious, and the British Empire stood united in its determination to fight to the end. That was the inspiration from their brave dead, and, standing there that day, they pledged themselves to be true to themselves, their country, and their gallant dead. In conclusion, Gen. Colvin referred to the glorious records of the Essex Battalions. There had been incidents in which the Essex troops had emulated the brave Greeks of old when they overcame the overwhelming hordes of Persians on the plains of Marathon.
War Memorial – 1920s
Photograph from Alf Wright’s collection
Last updated 10th November 2020
