Summary
A First World War memorial of 1920, with later inscriptions from the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
East Cowes War Memorial, which stands in the churchyard of the Church of St James, 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:
* a well-crafted, wheel-headed, First World War memorial with later Second World War inscriptions.
Group value:
* with the adjacent Church of St James, and its wall and gate piers, both listed at Grade II.
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. One such memorial was raised in East Cowes in 1920, as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by 58 servicemen from the local community, who lost their lives in the First World War. It was unveiled by Field Marshal Lord Gort (1886-1946), who was awarded the Victoria Cross during this conflict, and later commanded the British Expeditionary Force during the Second World War, including the Dunkirk evacuation.
Details
A First World War memorial of 1920, with later inscriptions from the Second World War.
MATERIALS: granite.
End of official list entry
