New war memorial names to be unveiled on Armistice Day

As always, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

This year, district council chairman Tricia Youtan will also unveil a plaque carrying the names of 43 Horsham servicemen and women who lost their lives in the Second World War.

The ceremony, in the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, is the culmination of more than 20 years of dedicated research by local historian Gary Cooper.

Some seven years ago, thanks to Gary’s work, the town unveiled a plaque to those who had died in the First World War, but for one reason or another had not been named on the memorial.

This year, missing names from the Second World War have been added.

It seems strange today, but in 1945 Horsham was one of many towns which did not add the names of Second World War casualties to their war memorial.

Instead, a simple metal plaque was attached, saying: “Also in memory of those who gave their lives in Second World War 1939-1945.”

In 1992, a list of those servicemen and women who died in World War Two was drawn up and a new stone plaque was added to the memorial wall, which forms a backdrop to the stone obelisk. Now, Gary Cooper has carried out further research, and come up with the 43 new names.

A statement from Horsham District Council said: “The council and Royal British Legion are delighted to be able to recognise their sacrifice and hope that as many as possible can come on the day to pay their respects.

“We will also be welcoming some of the descendants of the servicemen and women at this Armistice Day service.

“The dedication speech will be made by the chairman of Horsham District Council, councillor Tricia Youtan at 10.50am, prior to the two minutes’ silence at 11am.

“Children from St Mary’s Primary School, Horsham will also join the service, representing the future, where they will have many opportunities as a result of all the sacrifices made by brave men and women who died for their country or have survived the terrors of war.

“The children will plant 12 remembrance crosses at the War Memorial.

“The public are welcome to come and join in this short ceremony at 10.50am on Wednesday 11th November 2015.”

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