Summary

A First World War memorial, built after 1919; altered after the Second World War.

Description

A First World War memorial, built after 1919; altered after the Second World War.

MATERIALS: the memorial is constructed of Portland stone.

DESCRIPTION: the memorial stands in a prominent roadside location to the southeast of All Saints Church (Grade II).

The memorial is an elongated stone cross, with octagonal shaft and cross arms. Affixed to the front of the cross, is a bronze longsword, blade down. The memorial stands on an octagonal two-stepped plinth on a three stepped base.

The main inscription, in leaded lettering on the front three sides of the plinth reads: (centre) ERECTED BY / THE INHABITANTS OF BLOXWICH BLAKENALL / AND LEAMORE /TO THE / GLORIOUS MEMORY OF 316 MEN / WHO AT THE CALL OF / KING AND COUNTRY / GAVE THEIR LIVES / IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 – 1918 / THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE / IN FREEDOM.

(left) THEIR NAMES ARE INSCRIBED / ON SCROLL WHICH MAY BE SEEN / IN THE PARISH CHURCH/ AND IN THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

(right) LET THOSE WHO COME AFTER / SEE TO IT THAT THEIR SACRIFICE / WAS NOT IN VAIN.

To the rear of the memorial, the additional inscription reads: (rear) THIS MEMORIAL WAS DESIGNED / BY / SIR REGINALD BLOMFIELD R S / AND UNVEILED BY / COLONEL R.S.WILLIAMSON VD / November 5th 1922.

On the front three sides of the lower plinth, is the additional carved inscription: THIS MEMORIAL IS ALSO DEDICATED TO THE MEN &WOMEN/ OF THE PARISH OF BLAKENHALL AND LEAMORE WHO SERVED AND/ DIED IN THE WAR/ 1939-1945.

History

The aftermath of the First World War saw the biggest single wave of public commemoration ever with tens of thousands of memorials erected across England. This was the result of both the huge impact on communities of the loss of three quarters of a million British lives, and also the official policy of not repatriating the dead: therefore, the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss.

One such memorial was raised at Bloxwich as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the 316 members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. The design of the memorial was modelled on the Cross of Sacrifice erected on the British cemeteries in France and Flanders, from the design of Sir Reginald Blomfield. Blomfield was the Chief Architect to the War Graves Commission. The memorial was crafted by Messrs A Wootton and Sons of Bloxwich.

The memorial, also known as the Cross of Sacrifice, was unveiled in November 1922 by Colonel R S Williamson, former commanding officer of the 5th South Staffords, and was then dedicated by the Bishop of Stafford.

An additional inscription to honour those parishioners who fell during the Second World War was subsequently added to the memorial.

Reasons for Listing

Bloxwich War Memorial is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:

Historic interest:

* as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20.

Architectural interest:

* as a fine example of a well-carved cross of sacrifice, with relief carved decoration.

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