During WW1 there started to appear what became known as “shrines” at public places in towns and villages across thecountry. They were a spontaneous act by the population. The shrines were not necessarily flowers nor always for the fallen, but messages of remembrance and good wishes for those who were serving. Perhaps reassuring their loved ones that they are remembered.
It was not until the 1920s that the war memorials we see today were built by public subscription. Bagshot’s was erected at the junction of High Street, London Road and Church Road and was relocated in 1938 to the churchyard.
Every year it is the focus of the village’s Remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Preceded by a service in church, the Act of Remembrance takes place outside at the War Memorial. It is simple but poignant including the sounding of the Last Post, lowering of the flags, two minutes silence, reading the names of the fallen and laying wreaths.
There are 50 names from the Great War recorded on the memorial and a further 11 from WW2. A profile of each person whose name is recorded from WW1 can be seen on the companion history site at bagshotvillage.org.uk/memorial/ww1.shtml
This year Remembrance Sunday falls on 11th November exactly 100 years from the end of the war at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
The Remembrance Service is at 10 am in St Anne’s Church and the Act of Remembrance outside at the War Memorial at 11am.
Bagshot Village 