Forasmuch as it hath been given us to unveil this Plaque of Remembrance, let us now dedicate ourselves to the work of peace. In this sacramental act we would acknowledge before God the responsibility which the sacrifice of the fallen has laid upon us.

Let Us Pray

Hymn

THESE things shall be ; a loftier race
Than e'er the world hath known shall rise,
With flame of freedom in their souls
And light of knowledge in their eyes.

Nation with nation, land with land,
Inarmed shall live as comrades free ;
In every heart and brain shall throb
The pulse of one fraternity.

There shall be no more sin, nor shame,
Though pain and passion may not die ;
For man shall be at one with God
In bonds of firm necessity.

Benediction

The National Anthem (One verse)

Medals displayed with the plaque

Biographical Details

Eric Baker commenced work for the Society at 16 years of age on December 19th, 1932, in the Butchery Department, High Street South. He joined the forces in March, 1940, and was taken prisoner in Java in 1943. He died from beri-beri about August, 1944, whilst still a prisoner in a Japanese camp.

Geoff. Bateman commenced work with the Society at No. 8 Grocery from the Intermediate School. He was very interested in sport, a good runner, a good footballer and full of ideas as a flier and an A.T.C. trainee. He joined the Air Force in May, 1943, and was listed as missing from operations on his ninth "op." as a rear gunner, early in 1944.

Don Benning commenced work with the Society at 14 years of age on June 15th, 1936, in the Furnishing Department. He joined the R.A.F. in August, 1941, was a bright and cheerful lad. He was a promising young man who was always keen on the Air Force and who attained the rank of Pilot Officer in the R.A.F. He was presumed killed on September 8th, 1945.

Dennis Goode commenced work with the Society at 14 years of age on March 28th, 1938, at Higham Road Grocery and served at a number of branches. He was a tall, quiet young man, who was popular with staff and customers. He joined the forces in August, 1942, and was killed in an Air Raid on London on February 20th, 1944.

Harold Harrison commenced work with the Society at 14 years of age on April 4th, 1934, at No. 5 Grocery when it was situated where the Footwear Department is now. He was very popular with the customers and a very promising student of Co-operative subjects. He joined the R.A.F. from High Street Grocery in November, 1940, and was missing from an air operation over Northern Ireland in October 1942. His body was recovered from the sea in February, 1943.

John Loake commenced work with the Society at 14 years of age on August 29th, 1938, in the Drapery Department. He was always a willing worker and joined the Army in October, 1942. He saw active service in Italy and was eventually killed in action in April, 1944.

Harold Wood commenced work with the Society at 14 years of age on May 22nd, 1933. He started as a milk roundsman and then transferred to Queen Street Grocery. He was one of the first Wymington men to join the Army, being called up in October, 1939. He served in France, Madagascar, Middle East, and Persia, and took part in the landings on Sicily and Italy. He was presumed to have been killed on April 3rd, 1944.