LEST WE FORGET.
Almost all the Parishes or Churches and other places of worship in the Borough have their War Memorial, in remembrance of our townsmen who have made the great sacrifice. That which has been placed on the West Wall of Holy Trinity Church stands out above others for its beauty and ornate character ; and I cannot do better than quote from the Parish Magazine for November, the description of the Memorial furnished by Canon T. W. Cook, M.A., the Vicar.
Description.
The centre of the design consists of a bronze Triptych, containing fifty-six names etched deeply upon copper and gilt, and inscribed "To the Men of the Parish who fell in the Great War, 1914-1918."
Above is a roundel in cloisonne representing S. George and the Dragon.
The background is a panel of gold mosaic in which is wrought upon a scroll "Their name liveth for evermore."
The Triptych stands upon a narrow table supported by seven arches and columns which frame a composition, in coloured relief, of a Heavenly choir in the form of a cantoria.
On each side of the central design are sentinels keeping watch and guard. The four figures in the arcading on the south represent typical occupations of the men before the war :- The Professions, Agriculture, Handicrafts, Sea-faring life.
The four allegorical figures on the north side arcading represent Justice, Honour, Truth, Freedom.
Across the breadth of the whole design, at the top, is a frieze lettered "Make them to be numbered with Thy saints in glory everlasting," and crested with carved oak leaves and acorns. Above all stands a Cross.
Symbolism.
The intention is to concentrate emphasis on the men : it is our Memorial to them "Lest we forget."
The legend of S. George and the Dragon typifies Patriotism and was chosen because it is a symbol of England and her effort to secure the conquest of right over might.
The precious mosaic and metals symbolise the preciousness of the lives, and the unselfish devotion at the hour of their country's need, of those to whom this Memorial is set.
The bronze symbolises their fortitude ; the gold, the affection in which they are held ; the unfading colour and brilliance of the enamels symbolises their undying glory.
The Choir of Heaven, seen through the veil as represented by the columns, gives glad welcome to happy faithful warriors.
