© Susan Eldridge June 2005

 

 

Location: By the school which is just before you reach Sawley Abbey

 

OS ref: 103  SD778465

 

Date:  July 1921

 

 

ERECTED IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE

OF THE MEN WHO WENT FROM THIS PARISH

TO FIGHT FOR RIGHT AND FREEDOM

AND WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES

IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 - 1918

THEY WON THE VICTORS CROWN

IN MANY LANDS AFAR THEY REST

AT HOME THEIR TOKEN STANDS

 

 

Richard BATTERSBY Albin HAWKINS Arthur HOLGATE The Rt Hon Lord LUCAS Joseph MOON Lewis PROCTOR Thomas RIGBY Arthur TOWNSON

 

 

 

 

From the pages of the Nelson Leader of Friday 15 July 1921, page 7

 

 

VILLAGE HEROES

 

At Sawley on Sunday afternoon a runic cross, erected near the village school was unveiled by Mr R. Kemp as a memorial to 8 villagers who gave their lives in the war. The unveiling ceremony was preceded by a service at the Wesleyan Chapel, the Rev W. Wallace presiding, and the Rev Canon F.G. Ackerley, Rural Dean of West Craven giving the address. In the course of his remarks Canon Ackerley said that 15 years ago he could not have taken part in that service. He now looked upon the matters which divided Christians from a different angle and he saw no reasons why he should not give the message of God anywhere within the boundaries at the Parish of Grindleton. He had not altered one atom of his church principles, but he had lost what was after all a little bit of prejudice and obstinacy the change was due to the sacrifice of the lads who went to the war, for they had drawn people together.