Remembrance Sunday in Burnham on Crouch
Remembrance Sunday in Burnham on Crouch is commemorated every year. The town come together to honour the contribution and sacrifice of British and Commonwealth military, civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and in more recent conflicts.
This commemoration is always held on the second Sunday in November, the Sunday nearest to Armistice Day. Here, we take a closer look at what will be going on in Burnham over Remembrance weekend and how you can pay your respects.
Burnham on Crouch War Memorial
The Burnham on Crouch War Memorial was unveiled on Sunday 14th August 1921, at its riverside site in the centre of the High Street. The unveiling drew crowds that were reported as the largest seen in Burnham on Crouch at the time.
On this day, a service was led by the Ministers from all of the local churches with an address by Robert Leslie OBE, who received the honour for his war work in relation to disabled servicemen. After the Second World War, further panels were added to commemorate the fallen servicemen and civilians during that war.
Burnham’s War Memorial remembers 98 local soldiers who died in the First World War, and 27 soldiers and 10 civilians who died in the Second World War. The pale stone obelisk, which looks out over the estuary, was designed by the renowned architect R. Frank Atkinson, at a cost of £700. This was raised by benefactors and public subscription. The bronze work was undertaken by Mildmay Ironworks, based in the town centre.
Remembering the Fallen
The Burnham on Crouch War Memorial has become the focal point for remembering the war dead of Burnham on Crouch on Remembrance Day and at other anniversaries.
There are also other memorials that can be appreciated on Remembrance Sunday in Burnham on Crouch. Notably, on the seawall across from the War Memorial there is a plaque dedicated to the men of Burnham who left on 30th May 1940 to rescue hundreds of soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk.
In November 2019, a new Memorial Garden was created by Burnham Town Council. This features a Tommy statue, memorial bench and red cyclamen plants, which are replaced by poppies around remembrance weekend.
The Tommy statue, which was originally installed at the library in 2018, was crafted to mark the centennial commemorations of the end of the First World War and now permanently resides in the gardens. The Memorial Garden, or ‘Tommy Garden’, as it’s fondly known, is located just off the High Street corner by the War Memorial and next to the Council Offices.
Remembrance Services
There are a couple of services happening in the town over remembrance weekend. There will be short Act of Remembrance on Saturday 11th November at 10:45am at the War Memorial. This will be led by the Rev. Suzie Fryer, Padre of the Burnham on Crouch branch of the Royal British Legion.
The following day, Burnham Town Council, in conjunction with The Royal British Legion, is holding a Remembrance Sunday Service on Sunday 12th November, again, at the War Memorial. The service will begin with a procession of uniformed organisations from the Baptist Church at 10:30am to gather at the Memorial from 10:40am. The service will be led by ministers from Burnham churches together and will be joined by members of the Ukrainian community now living locally.
Poppy Appeal
The annual Poppy Appeal will be starting on 28th October with poppies available in the usual shops. There will also be a poppy stall at Burnham on Crouch railway station on the morning of 31 October and at Burnham Market on 7th November.
The Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion helps provide care, advice and support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and their families. It also remembers and honours the sacrifices of those who fought and continue to fight in the service of our nation.
The Burnham on Crouch branch covers Southminster and the surrounding villages of the Dengie Hundred. Each year, the legion organising the poppy appeal in the lead up to remembrance Sunday in Burnham on Crouch and the commemorative ceremonies over remembrance weekend. The Burnham Royal British Legion meets at the Council Chamber at 7.30pm on the first Monday of every month and are always looking for new members.
Get in Touch
Burnham on Crouch is a community focused town, located in the Essex countryside, next to the beautiful coast. If you’re thinking of relocating upon retirement, Burnham Waters luxury retirement village would love to hear from you.
Get in touch with us via email at info@burnhamwaters.co.uk, or complete our enquiry form today. If you’re interested in learning more about our properties, we offer a downloadable brochure, complete with everything you need to know about our facilities.
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