War Memorial, St Marys Church, Diss, Norfolk.
The Memorial at St Marys is 103 years old this year and remembers those who gave their lives for King and Country from Diss in both World Wars.
It was unveiled on the 11th September 1921, and paid for by public subscription.
From the Diss Express, a letter to the editor, saying that the Memorial, which was agreed to at a Public Meeting on the 7th July 1919, was completed at a cost of £517, 9 Shilling and 4d, but, despite 650 contributions, was still about £100 short of the cost, and hoped that the full cost will be reached before the Memorial is unveiled.
Any Subscriptions should be sent to Mr W M Thomas, (Hon Treasurer) or any of the committee.
A later letter in the Diss Express gave the full breakdown of the costs, and still showed as being about £32 short, and asked that any more subscriptions should be sent to either, Mr Thomas or the Hon Secretary Mr C Gaze.
On Friday 9th September 1921, the Diss Express and the Norfolk and Suffolk Journal announced that on Sunday the 11th at 3 pm, the memorial will be unveiled.
From the Diss Express Friday 16th September a report on the service;
`The long anticipated unavailing and dedication of the memorial to the Gallant Men of Diss who fell in the Great War took place on Sunday afternoon and awakened a very great interest, not only in Town, but the surrounding Area and witnessed by a Huge Crowd.
It stands to the credit of Diss that a large number of their young Manhood volunteered to offer themselves at the commencement of the War, and these, added to those later `called up` numbered between 500 and 600, of which 101 made the supreme sacrifice`.
The monument is described as being of Silver Grey Cornish Granite with Aberdeen (Rubistan) Boarder and Polished Panel.
It is erected on the Western side of the church tower and is 10ft High by 7ft Wide resting 2 ft from the base on a concrete base.
The base is surrounded by 2ft blue york stone flooring which is elevated 12” from the Pavement line with wrought Iron Railings in front connected by two stone Buttresses.
It was designed by Mr W J Dunham, Architect, Norwich and constructed by Mr R F Perfict (?), Diss.
The Dedication Ceremony took place in the open air in front of the memorial and was favoured by lovely weather.
Every precaution was taken to make Service as quite and impressive as possible.
All wheeled traffic was suspended from 1:30 to 4 pm and within a certain area Barriers were in placed which only allowed guest with tickets to enter, with seats for them.
The barriers were removed after the ex servicemen who were in charge of Captain Stubbs had taken up their quarters.
The public the took advantages of the accommodation put to their disposal and were happy to stand for the full proceedings, with many hundreds being present.
Printed forms of the Service were distributed and the Diss Town Band accomplice the singing, which was led by the united choirs of the Anglican Church and Free Church, conducted by Mr W H Aldrich, hon conductor of the Diss Choral Society.
The service was taken by members of the clerical of the various churches in Diss.
At 3 O`clock, the service commences with the well known hymn, `God our Help in Ages Past`, followed by the Rev A Farrier, who read out the Lords Prayer which all reverently joined in.
The Memorial, which was draped with a Union Jack 18 x 9 feet, was unveiled by Colour Sergeant Major Arthur Fisher, MC, late of the 2nd Norfolk Regiment who said ` Those who this memorial honours, were among the many, who at the call of the King and Country, left all that were dear to them, endured the Hardships and Dangers and finally past out of the sight of men by the path of Duty and Self sacrifice, giving up their own lives so others might live in Freedom and let those who come after to see it that their names will NOT be forgotten and to that end I unveil the Diss Town War Memorial`.
The Memorial was unveiled and the inscription read; To the Glory of God and as Tribute of Honour to the Men of Diss who gave their lives in the Great War 1914-18 and is affectionately dedicated by the Inhabitancies of Diss AD1921.
The Service then continued.
The Service which lasted about an hour in total finished with the Hymn, `Abide with Me`, with the Rev J Hogg saying the concluding Pray.Three members of the Suffolk Regiment depot at Bury (St Edmunds) stood Guard at the Memorial with reversed Arms until Buglers Baker and Stiff from the same regiment sounded the Last post and Reveille.
As the mourners filled past the memorial, many laid floral tributes on the base, in memory of loved ones.
Prior to the service Muffled bell were sound and the Union Jack was at Half mast on the Church Tower.Sadly the Great War was not the War to end all Wars, and addition to the memorial was required for World War Two and from the Diss Express,
Diss Express 26th March 1948
DISS WAR MEMORIAL
May we again appeal to our readers to check the following list of names, which have been received for submission to the War Memorial Committee, to be placed on the War Memorial.
In some cases the details are not complete and as the Committee is desirous of the list being as complete as possible, it is essential the missing details supplied early as possible to Mr. H. Holker, Express Office. Diss.
The memorial is now maintained by Diss Town Council, the wreaths are placed on the Memorial on Remembrance Sunday, and are normally removed by Mothering Sunday.
R J Rogers,
Diss RBL,
With Grateful thanks to various members of the Diss Memories site, especially Paul Womack and Keith Rackham.
