A VILLAGE war memorial has been rededicated 100 years to the day after two parishioners were killed in battle.
Nearly 100 people attended the ceremony on Fivehead village green following the reparation and cleaning of the monument commemorating all 14 men killed in both world wars.
It was unveiled on Saturday, May 26, the centenary of the deaths of Lance Cpl Frank Male and Lance Bombadier George Chorley, the last two men from Fivehead killed in the First World War.
Relatives of the fallen attended from all over the country, some of them meeting for the first time, and the Last Post was sounded by Petty Officer Chris Palucsis, a bugler from the HMS Heron Royal Navy Band.
Wreaths were laid by parish council chairman Kate Beacham on behalf of the parishioners of Fivehead and Swell and Col (retired) Tony Potter on behalf of the Royal British Legion branch of Curry Rivel, Drayton and Fivehead.
The rector, the Rev Scott Patterson, conducted a service at the memorial and St Martin’s Church, encouraging people to remember the sacrifices made by the men who laid down their lives for our freedoms today.
A book has been published to honour the men from the village who fought in both wars - Fivehead’s Military Men by Pip Brett contains the histories of the 14 men who lost their lives and the men who fought and returned home, many of them suffering lifelong injuries.
It details how the village supported two Belgian refugee families in Fivehead and the chequered history of its memorial.
The book can be purchased as a download at by clicking here - all proceeds go to the Royal British Legion.
Frances Moreton, director of the War Memorials Trust, said: "War memorials are a tangible connection to our shared past creating a link between the fallen and today.
"It is vital we ensure all our war memorials are in the best possible condition for their age and the charity is delighted to support this project.
"The centenary of the First World War is a wonderful opportunity for local communities across the country to protect and conserve their war memorials.
"If anyone knows of any other war memorials in need of help, please contact us."
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