Above left: image dated July 1920 from newspaper. Right: courtesy IWM dated after 1978
Sternfield’s Memorial is situated in the grounds of St. Mary Magdelene Church, Church Hill, Sternfield.
Transcription: It was unanimously decided at a Parish meeting held…………to place a memorial in the Churchyard to those that had given their lives for their country.
All labour in erecting the memorial was given free and everyone in the parish subscribed to the memorial: the granite block was placed in the Churchyard on a piece of ground given by the Reverend George Horlock and the foundation was made with a mill stone given by Mr. William George Stannard of the Hill Farm: a special service was held which was attended by all people in the parish and many from outside for the purpose of dedicating the memorial: the service and dedication was carried out by the Reverend George Horlock and the dedication by the Archdeacon of Suffolk (the Canon R. Darling).
From the Suffolk Chronicle 23rd July 1920
An impressive service was held at Sternfield on Sunday afternoon, when the Archdeacon of Suffolk unveiled and dedicated a memorial stone to four men of the parish who gave their lives for their country
The Roll of Honour for the small parish contains the names of 37 men. The memorial, which is of granite, about six feet in height, is erected in the churchyard. The inscription on the tablet reads: “To the glorious dead and in gallant memory of Frederick J. Flatman, Jack Flatman, Alfred Goddard, William Shipp, 1914-1918.”
The service in the church was conducted by the Rector (the Rev. G. Horlock). Miss Hall rendered, “O, rest in the Lord,” after which the congregation lead by the choir and singing “Through the night of doubt and sorrow,” proceeded to the churchyard. The Archdeacon gave a short address, after which “For all the saints” was sung, and the “Last Post” was sounded by the organist (Mr. E.L. Paxman, late Suffolk Cyclists).
Flowers and evergreens were placed upon the stone by both Mr. and Mrs. W.E.Long and by members of the families of the fallen men.
Research shows that there may be some discrepancies on the memorial with some names which may have been omitted. Hopefully these have been addressed in the History Group’s book:
Commemorating the Fallen of Benhall & Sternfield – The Great War WWI
If you know of any other inconsistencies then please contact the History Group on: benhallsternfieldhistory@gmail.com.
