Memorial

Cenotaph 1914-18 1939-45 The Green

Southwick

Memorial Name: Cenotaph 1914-18 1939-45 The Green (S130.01)

NEWMP Ref No.: S130.01

Parish: Southwick

Original Location:

The Green, Southwick, Sunderland. SR5 2HT NZ 38339 58500.

Which War:

a. 1914-18
b. 1939-45

Dedication, Creation or Publication date:

a. Unveiled 4th November 1928
b. 1988

Materials Used:

Rubislaw fine axed grey granite with black ebony granite panels.

Who Commissioned:

War Memorial Committee

How Money was Raised:

Public subscription

Sculptor, Artist or Designer:

Designed by Mr Walter B. Thomas, Architect to Southwickon Wear Urban District Council;
made by Mr. J. Wilson Byram, Sculptor, Southwick.

Inscription:

a. 1914-1918
b. 1939-1945
Lest we forget.

Memorial Description:

Cenotaph approx. 8 feet high x 5 feet square (2.56m x 1.52m) with extra raised top set on four shallow steps made of square granite blocks, the lowest measuring 10 feet square x 6 inches high (3.04m x 154mm).

On the west side in a bronze Latin cross.

On the east side is a bronze laurel wreath, the dates 1914-1918 and the words “Lest we Forget”.

On all four sides are plaques with the dedication raised in casting. Each is 75 inches high x 63 inches wide (1.90m x 1.60m).

At centre front the dates 1914-1918 are underneath a laurel wreath. On the back is a cross.

The dates 1939-45 are on the right side, the left side is blank.

Names:

None

Notes:

1. One of the proposals, put forward by the British Legion, was for the purchase of the old Drill Hall, which would be converted into an Institute. The hall, owned by the Territorial Forces Association, would cost £600.

2. The British Legion had started to try and raise funds for a memorial but found it difficult. Eventually they called a meeting of public bodies, who all agreed to help. A War Memorial Committee was appointed

3. August 2022 – two seats have been added to the area on either side of the memorial.

4 Two large WW1 soldier outlines with a blue plaque were added to the Memorial garden area on the 11th June 2021.
The Blue Plaque reads:-
Proud of Our History and Our People
Lest We Forget
During WW1 460 sons of Southwick on Wear
were killed in action or died of their wounds.
35 Southwick men were decorated for Gallantry.
In WW11, 184 Southwick servicemen lost their lives.
35 men were decorated and received commendations
for valour and distinguished service.
The Southwick Tommy was a brave soldier.
Southwick Village Green Preservation Society

5. In November 2022 Southwick at war plaque giving the names of the fallen from two World Wars was unveiled. (S130.22).

6. In October 2024 four miniature silhouette WW1 grieving soldiers were installed in planters in the Remembrance Gardens.

External Links:

Historic England Listing

Sources:

Photos: C. Sanders; James Pasby; Dorothy Hall

Illustrated Chronicle
10/04/1922 reports proposal to buy Drill Hall

Southwick Village Green Preservation Society Souvenir Booklet 2024