WSRHT rededicates WW1 roll of honour at Gauge Museum

On November 11, the trust rededicated their original roll of honour commemorating the 2500 Great Western Railway (GWR) staff who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War.

The official recognition took place in the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard, which is home to the GWR relic.

The trust states that: "101 years ago, on Armistice Day 1922, the chairman of the Great Western Railway, Viscount Churchill, unveiled the bronze war memorial on Platform 1 at Paddington Station."

Concurrently, lithographed rolls of honour were displayed at principal stations.

However, the sole preserved original is at the Gauge Museum, making it a crucial piece of railway, and national, heritage.

In 2002, the rolls were in very poor condition and were subsequently replaced with replicas, say the Railway Heritage Trust.

Seventeen years later, during the Gauge Museum's refurbishment, the Perspex and plastic frame was exchanged for a superior wooden exterior and glass.

The rededication ceremony was meant to coincide with the refurbishment but was delayed due to the Covid pandemic.

The WSRHT articulated their gratitude on having Deputy Lord Lieutenant Clinton Rogers, DL representing the sovereign.

Bishop Nigel Stock, conducted the service, which was attended by an honour guard of one sergeant, four men, three marines and one seaman from 40 Commando.

The military unit honoured the memorial by lighting the candle of remembrance and laying down a wreath in the honour of the GWR staff.

The trust also extended their trustee welcome to Laurie Hockley and his family, who are relatives of a soldier listed on the roll of honour.

The rededication of the memorial and the act of remembrance serve as a testament to the bravery of the 2,500 GWR staff who lost their lives in WW1.