They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
During the First World War, 13 men of Great Chishill lost their lives. The war memorial on the crossroads honours their sacrifice.
Ernest Hector Smith, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Frederick Smith, died of his wounds in military hospital in Boulogne on 24th May, 1915. He was 22 years old. He was in the Reserves and working for Mr L Duke of Heydon when he was called up, and left for France with the Bedfordshire Regiment in December 1914.
Arthur Geoffrey Smith, M.M was killed instantly by a bullet from a machine gun whilst leading his platoon, on April 25th, 1918. He was 21 years old . He had already been commended for bravery in the previous month, and was in line for promotion. He also served with the Bedforshire Regiment, and had also worked for Mr Duke before enlisting.
Stanley John Smith was killed in action on August 22nd, 1918, aged aged 19. Prior to enlisting in April 1917 he was employed by Miss Hoy as a baker in Great Chishill.
Walter Rogers was killed in action in the Battle of the Somme on September 26th, 1916. He had emigrated to Australia 4 years previously and before that he had worked for Mr Hoy
Alfred Lewis Walters was killed in action in the Battle of the Somme on September 29th, 1916. Prior to enlisting he had been an agricultural worker, employed by the Brand family at Upper and Lower Farm, Building End. aged 25.
Alfred William Everett Wounded near Ypres and died in hospital in Poperinghe on the 25th October 1915, also Bedfordshire Regiment.
Arthur William Harvey Killed in action on the Somme 11th July 1916. The Bedfordshire Regiment.
Reginald Pegram died on Sunday, 1st November 1914. Aged 28. 15th (The King’s) Hussars
Bertie Rogers Killed in action near Achiet le Grand 23rd August 1918. Bedfordshire Regiment
Frank Thomas Rogers died on Sunday, 20th August 1916 on the Somme, aged 20, Suffolk Regiment. Buried in Great Chishill
Sidney Walters Killed in action on the Marne 27th.May 1918. Durham Light Infantry
William Oyston Royal Fusiliers posted to 2nd/2nd Bn., London Regt (Royal Fusiliers) Died on Wednesday, 24th April 1918.