A new project to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War was launched yesterday in Royston.
The Men of the Royston War Memorial display project is the brainchild of chairman of the Royston Branch of the Royal British Legion Chris Murphy.
The display consists of two panels that contain individual Perspex blocks – that will stand either side of the main memorial – which has just undergone specialist restoration.
Each block represents those listed on the memorial. The blocks contain a picture of the soldier – where one has been available – and details such as their date of birth, the military unit in which they served, and the date of their death and place of burial.
The information used within the display has come from the research material provided by the What Royston Did project – where a small team of people have researched the town’s role in the First World War.
Chris, who provided the project management and funding for this project and also organises the Remembrance Sunday events in the town, said: “I wanted to bring the part of the project relating to those named on the memorial to a prominent public place.
“The war memorial seemed the obvious choice, and permission was granted by Royston Town Council for the display to be positioned at the memorial.
“As the project developed over the year, it was decided to add the names of those men of Royston who fell in the Second World War also, thus, giving a complete picture of all who are named on the war memorial.”
The display has 116 blocks, each representing the men of the First World War, which include that of Captain Harold Ackroyd – who was awarded the Victoria Cross and Military Cross – and a further 25 blocks for the men of the Second World War. There are 141 in total.
Chris added: “This project has taken a considerable amount of time and dedication from those involved. The subject matter is very important, and we must always remember those who have given their lives in service to their country. Lest we forget.”
The display – which will be up until Monday – has been created by Jim Bird and his family of Big Day Signs & Graphics in Arrington, and the installation was been facilitated by jezO’s Events Ltd in Sawston.
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