1914 – 18 War Memorial
1914-18 WAR MEMORIAL
War Memorial – Smithills Chapel
This War Memorial was erected and unveiled in Smithills Hall Chapel on 28th October 1921 “with appreciation of those who had contributed generously to erect a Memorial to the heroes who fought and fell for the sake of those they loved.”
The Bolton Journal reports “This Memorial was unveiled and dedicated by Colonel Ainsworth and Rev. W. S. Standen “
The original Memorial was changed (at an unknown date) when it was discovered that one of the men who died was named Longworth and not Longwith as on the original Memorial..
Research has been done to identify those named and attempt to give substance to their hidden stories of sacrifice and service to their country, during difficult times. It is hoped that the narratives, although never complete, give some understanding of the lives of the men whose names appear on the Smithills Hall Chapel Memorial.
In 2014 the first ever Friends wreathlaying event was held and poppies were planted outside the Chapel entrance in remembrance of those who fell. This is now an annual event in November.
If you know any more about the background of these men or are in anyway related to one of them – please contact David Williams, Chairman of the Friends of Smithills Hall, using the information in the contact page of this website.
War Memorial Wreath Laying 2021
We have , out of respect for those commemorated, placed the Friends wreath on the Memorial in 2021 after appropriate poem readings.
The 2021 wreathlaying, which was open to everyone, was held on Friday 12th November.
We remember them.
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Those named on the Chapel War Memorial
The following are ‘THOSE WHO FELL’. To read these stories click the link to the documents below which recall the background of these men.
James Arthur LONGWORTH (revised October 15)
Gilbert Harold & Ernest Victor SLATER
The following are ‘THOSE WHO FOUGHT AND RETURNED’
LEFT PANEL
RIGHT PANEL
Humphrey Ainsworth Russell ENGLAND
This research is by no means complete and may not be wholly accurate.
If you know any more about the background of any of these men or are in anyway related to one of them – please contact David Williams, Chairman of the Friends of Smithills Hall, using the information in the Contact Page of this website.
