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In Memory World War I WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

2014 sees the 100th Anniversary of the start of World War One

Mapperley Village Memorial/ Lych Gate

On Saturday May 13th 1922 at 3pm the Lych Gate was unveiled by Captain Drury-Lowe of Locko Park, followed by the Dedication of the Lych Gate and Consecration of the Churchyard extension by the Lord Bishop.  The Lych Gate is dedicated to the memory of the men who died from the village in the Great War.

Several members of the Mapperley Colliery Company attended the service to remember the Martin Brother's; Britus and Luther.

The names of the three fallen, two were brothers, are inscribed on a tablet placed within the memorial gate in memory of George Harrison, Notts and Derby.

Britus Martin - K.R.R.

Luther Martin - R.F.A. who died for Country in the Great War 1914 - 1918.

Their names liveth forever".

• The Lych Gate is constructed of substantial oak beams with a tiled roof, surmounted by a cross, the entire structure resting on a stone base.
• In bold, carved letters, the inscription: "In Memoriam" is located on the cross beam, meeting visitors as they approach the gate.
• The structure was erected by Mr R. Slaney from High Lane, West Hallam, to plans drawn by the architect Mr H. Tatham Sudbury of Ilkeston.
• Prior to the unveiling, the Bishop of Derby (Dr. Abraham) consecrated the gate as an important addition to the churchyard.
• The Sherwood Foresters Band from Derby accompanied the singing of two hymns. "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus" and "For All the Saints".
• A detachment of officers and men from the regiment supplied the firing party, with the guard of honour formed by the Ilkeston St. John Ambulance Corps. This was followed by the Last Post, the ceremony closing with the National Anthem.
• Among the guests was Mr. Quarrell (Chairman of the Mapperley Colliery Company), Major B. H. Beaumont-Checkland and Mr. G. Spencer all representing the Colliery Company.

Invitation to the Dedication of the Lych Gate Ceremony

The ceremony took place on Saturday May 13th 1922 at 3pm. The unveiling Ceremony was by Captain Drury-Lowe, followed by the Dedication of the Lych Gate and Consecration of the Churchyard extension by the Lord Bishop.

The invitation was sent to Mr & Mrs R H Turner, Jeweller and Optician, 108 Bath street, Ilkeston Derby.

Note the Mapperley, Derby stamp, posted 5 May 1922. The postage was one penny.

My thanks to Mr & Mrs Turner's grandson, Mr. Harry Turner of Ilkeston for this wonderful gift

World War One Memorial Stone Situated Inside The Church Lychgate

Britus Martin

Britus Martin:
7th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps. Rifleman R/10877
Born: 1890 (Mapperley).
Killed in action, no known grave.
Died:  30th July 1915, aged 25

Son of late Henry and Mother of Fanny Martin, Park Hall, Mapperley, Derbyshire.

Note: Brother of Luther Martin (below).  Also named on Lych Gate Memorial and named on Mapperley Colliery Memorial (Church Gates) West Hallam, Derbyshire.

Memorial: Ypres Menin Gate Memorial, Leper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 51 and 53.

Luther Martin: 
34th Division Ammunition Column Royal Field Artillery.  Driver L/8152
Born: 1882 (Mapperley)
Killed in action.
Died:  23rd March 1917, aged 35, Buried in Calais

Son of late Henry and Mother of Fanny Martin, Park Hall, Mapperley, Derbyshire.

Note: Brother of Britus Martin (above).  Also named on Lych Gate Memorial and named on Mapperley Colliery Memorial (Church Gates) West Hallam, Derbyshire.

Memorial: Buried. St. Pol Communal Cemetery Extension. Pas de Calais, France. Plot/Row E. Grave 25.

Just two of the sixty-six men who worked for the company and died in the war. Miners were required in the war for their tunnelling expertise, which were needed when tunnelling under enemy territory and placing explosives.

George Harrison:
2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire).  Private 23212
Born: 1894 (Mapperley).
Killed in action, no known grave.
Died:  25th September 1916, aged 22
Son of Thomas and Sarah Harrison, Mapperley Brook, Derbyshire.

Note: Sarah died and Thomas moved to Yew Tree Farm, Stanley, Derbyshire.

Memorial: Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Pier and Face 10C, 10D AND 11A.

R. Wood - 14 Feb 2014