Recognition for unsung war heroes
Thursday, 2nd November 2000.
MORE than 80 years after being denied the honour, four men who gave their lives for their country are to take their rightful place on a town's war memorial.
Alexander Turner, 19, his brother Frederick, 21, J Bacon, 45, and James Iron, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for bravery, were all from Haverhill. All four died while fighting for their country in the First World War.
For reasons unknown, their names were never included on the war memorial in the town's churchyard cemetery.
Now the Haverhill branch of the British Legion, which uncovered the omission through research, plans to right the wrong by giving the heroes the recognition that they deserve.
Brian Thomas, vice chairman of the branch, said: "We don't know why their names were excluded but we want to put it right.
"We want their living relatives to be able to take pride in what their ancestors once did. They gave their lives for the country. They could not have given any more."
The memorial plates are currently being washed down for the extra names to be added on.
Once that is complete, the Legion plans to hold a re-dedication ceremony which they would like the relatives of the four men to attend.
Mr Turner said: "We have no knowledge of any of their relatives but I am almost sure that their families are still living in the area and probably may not even know about their ancestors.
"We'd like them to get in touch with us."
The official ceremony has been planned for Tuesday, December 12 at 2.45pm. Relatives can contact Mr Turner on (01440) 705612.
Alexander Turner, 19, his brother Frederick, 21, J Bacon, 45, and James Iron, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for bravery, were all from Haverhill. All four died while fighting for their country in the First World War.
For reasons unknown, their names were never included on the war memorial in the town's churchyard cemetery.
Now the Haverhill branch of the British Legion, which uncovered the omission through research, plans to right the wrong by giving the heroes the recognition that they deserve.
Brian Thomas, vice chairman of the branch, said: "We don't know why their names were excluded but we want to put it right.
"We want their living relatives to be able to take pride in what their ancestors once did. They gave their lives for the country. They could not have given any more."
The memorial plates are currently being washed down for the extra names to be added on.
Once that is complete, the Legion plans to hold a re-dedication ceremony which they would like the relatives of the four men to attend.
Mr Turner said: "We have no knowledge of any of their relatives but I am almost sure that their families are still living in the area and probably may not even know about their ancestors.
"We'd like them to get in touch with us."
The official ceremony has been planned for Tuesday, December 12 at 2.45pm. Relatives can contact Mr Turner on (01440) 705612.
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