St Martin’s adds names of Second World War dead
ALL former St Martin’s parishioners who lost their lives in conflict were remembered at a service held at the parish war memorial yesterday, following the addition of the names of 12 men who died during the Second World War.
Previously, there had only been the names who lost their lives in the First World War and a general plaque in memory of those who died in the 1939-45 conflict.
‘It’s so important for families who have lost their loved ones that they are remembered in this way – that’s the heart of it, to acknowledge their sacrifices,’ said St Martin’s rector, the Rev. Daniel Foot, who led the service of dedication.
Bailiff Richard McMahon said adding the names provided public recognition and said it was good to see friends and relatives of the men who died at the service.
‘They were all cut off in the prime of life and didn’t live long enough to reap the benefits of what they were fighting for, so we give our thanks and our respect,’ he said.
‘I want to thank, on behalf of the community, all those who worked so tirelessly for this plaque to be unveiled – it was a great joint effort.’
There were readings and blessings at the service, as well as the sounding of the Last Post and Reveille with the two minutes of silence.
Former St Martin’s rector the Very Rev. Canon Marc Trickey unveiled the plaque.
‘I’ve been looking at adding the names ever since I became rector of St Martin’s nearly 20 years ago,’ he said.
Research at La Societe’s family history section had helped the names be found.
‘We were able to pursue it and got in touch with families, and put letters in the Guernsey Press and [parish magazine] The Cloak.’
The Dean of Guernsey, the Very Rev. Tim Barker, added: ‘It was a big challenge to make sure the names are all there. It’s important to have the plaque there so people can see their family members named.’
St Martin’s senior constable Jeff Wilkes-Green said the plaque and service had meant a lot to community members.
‘One family just mentioned how moving it was to hear the name of their relative read out and they said it really meant a lot. The service was very simple but very meaningful.’
