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World War 1

Introduction

World War I, often abbreviated as WWI or WW1, known as the First World War or the Great War, was an international conflict that began on 28 July 1914 and ended on 11 November 1918. It involved much of Europe, as well as Russia, the United States and Turkey, and was also fought in the Middle East, Africa and parts of Asia. One of the deadliest conflicts in history, an estimated 9 million were killed in combat, while over 5 million civilians died from occupation, bombardment, hunger or disease. 

War Memorial

In Rowlands Castle, the war is commemorated by the War Memorial, situated in St John’s Churchyard opposite the Shell Garage, at the junction of Durrants Road/Manor Lodge Road and Redhill Road. The Memorial displays the names from both World Wars of those local military personnel who fell during active service. The Memorial is described  and displayed in full by the War Graves Commission in their Roll of Honours Website.

Stories of the Fallen

There are 30 names on our Memorial from the Great War.  24 are from the Army, 5 from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, and one only from the Royal Air Force, newly formed in 1918. There are only 2 officers. There are many fascinating stories to be told about these men.

Some of those fallen in the First World War have been researched by the late Tony Cowin – former Chairman of the Historical Society – and published in issues of previous Rowlands Castle Association Magazines. They are published here too, with kind permission of his son – Tim Cowin. Click on the names with links below to read about these brave men. The remainder have a brief description on the Roll of Honour Website.