Sussex Agricultural Express - Friday 28 January 1921

WAR MEMORIAL DEDICATED.

— Churchmen and Free Churchmen flocked to the Parish Church on Sunday afternoon in connection with the War Memorial dedication and unveiling. The memorial is situated in the churchyard and consists of a cross of sacrifice bearing a crusader's sword. It is made of Portland stone and is 19 and half feet in height. Messrs. Dove Bros., of London, executed the work, and Messrs. F. Hounsell and Son. Of Cuckfield. cut the inscription and names of the fallen upon the cross.

The Vicar (Canon Wilson) conducted the service in church, and Mr. William Stevens, J.P., Chairman of the War Memorial Committee and a well known member of the congregational body read the lesson. The Right Rev. Dr. Southwell. C.M.G., Bishop of Lewes, gave the address, and the patriotic sentiments expressed were re-echoed in every heart.

The service ended, the crowd made its way to the churchyard where ex-Service men, who had formed a guard of honour, lined the enclosure round the memorial. When everything was in order, the Rev. .J. E. Dean. M.A., the Congregational Minister, offered prayer, and Mrs. W. Stevens (whose son well known at Lewes) and Mrs. Fisher—both of whom lost a son in the War—unveiled the memorial.

The dedicatory prayer was said by the Bishop of Lewes, and this was followed by the beautiful hymn. “Father, let us bring our dead to Thee." As the last notes died away Mr. Fred Hounsell sounded “The Last Post.” This stirred the heart deeply, and so did the rolls on the drums. The moments were awe inspiring. Like a flash the past—the War— was recalled. The last farewell scenes came back to the mind and the last words also! Is it to be wondered at that strong men, like the women, wept? Cuckfield has witnessed many touching scenes, but none them made a greater impression than the War Memorial unveiling ceremony last Sunday afternoon.

Thanks to Cuckfield Museum for photograph of Cuckfield War Museum