A new memorial to commemorate the men who fought during the First World War is to be unveiled at a major event on Saturday 15th July at 11am.

The memorial cross in honour of the Men of the Wrythe will be officially unveiled at the event on Wrythe Green, Carshalton, which will be attended by the Mayor of Sutton, members of the Royal British Legion and other guests.

Around 1919, after the First World War, the landlord of the local pub, Frederick Bird, organised a public subscription for a cross of remembrance to honour the 45 local men who gave their lives for King and Country. An oak cross with engraved bronze plaques stood in St Andrew’s churchyard in Wrythe Lane and included an inscription naming Bird’s son.

When St Andrew’s was closed and demolished in the early 1960s the cross was removed and set up in All Saints’ churchyard, Carshalton, where it has stood since 1964.

Now, as part of events to mark the 100th anniversary of Passchendaele, it has been decided to erect a new cross where the original once stood.

The granite memorial has been made by stonemasons Stonewest who were initially approached in July 2016 to assist in developing a design.

The cross is made using two types of granite. The base is Bon Accord from Belgium and the cross is De-Lanc from Cornwall, with the blocks taking around three months to arrive at the factory, before being carved by master stonemasons over the course of several weeks.

The Mayor of Sutton, Cllr Jean Crossby, who will be unveiling the new memorial in a ceremony starting at 11am, said:

“One hundred years on, the men who fought in the First World War continue to earn our absolute respect and humility for the sacrifice they made.

“The Men of the Wrythe represent thousands of others across the country who similarly gave their lives, with a devastating effect on the small communities where they lived.  It is a history lesson from which this generation can continue to learn.

“It is a great privilege for me to unveil this new memorial to honour the Men of the Wrythe which also acts as a fitting tribute to the men and women of more recent conflicts and indeed today’s Armed Forces who serve our country.

“I hope everyone will join us for what promises to be a very special day of commemoration as well as celebration.”

Other events taking place on the day include a host of events on Wrythe Recreation Ground from 12 noon including live music from The Band of the Surrey Yeomanry, Carshalton Charter Fair, food and drink, children’s games, Punch and Judy, exhibitions, history talks and guided walks.

The War Memorial Sports Ground of Carshalton Athletic FC will be holding a memorial football match at 3pm and tea dance.

Carshalton High School for Girls will be showing the premiere of a new play, ‘The Roughs of the Wrythe’, about the men who went to war and the families they left behind. Tickets cost £2  on the door or online at www.roughs.eventbrite.co.uk