main content West Wickham War Memorial

Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4

This is the War Memorial for West Wickham, an area that has greatly expanded since the First World War from a small village to a large suburb of the Borough of Bromley. This memorial when unveiled was in the High Street of West Wickham near Sherwood Avenue. Unfortunately vested interest in developing that part of the High Street and road widening plans succeeded in having it moved, ironically in 1939, just at the start of the Second World War. It was re-dedicated by the Bishop of Croydon on 22nd December 1939.

Although it is well cared for by the Council, it now stands a lonely marker on top of nearby Corkscrew Hill, out of sight of most of the residents of the area and equally un-visited. There is little doubt that once removed from a prominent public place these memorials are soon forgotten in spite of the often quoted `We Will Remember Them`.

This memorial was unveiled on Sunday 12th June 1921 by Lt. Colonel Vansittart, one time commander of the 8th Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment, and the dedication was by the Rector, the Rev. H. Bertie Roberts. The `Last Post` was sounded by Sergeant Bartlett, Corporal Winch and Corporal Doughty of the 1st Cadet Battalion, RWK Regiment.

The Cross was erected on a piece of land given by Mrs McAndrew and erected by Messrs. Farmer and Brindley.

There are three separate plaques recording 72 local men who died in the First World War, with an added plaque attached to the base in remembrance of the men and women who died in the Second World War.

"TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN MEMORY OF THE MEN OF WEST WICKHAM WHO SERVED AND FELL IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918"

An additional plaque was unveiled on Sunday 10th November 1946, during the Remembrance Day Parade by the Deputy Mayor of Beckenham Councillor T.W. Mallett. The service was conducted by the Rector of St John`s the Rev. J.P. Gough and the Rev. T.M. Morrow (Methodist Church). Mr. Grover of the British Legion and Home Guard Association sounded the `Last Post`.

The added inscription reads:

"THIS INSCRIPTION IS ADDED IN REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE MEN AND WOMEN WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES 1939-1945"