NHER 63911 (Structure record) - World War One memorial with World War Two additions, Shipdham

World War One Memorial with World War Two Additions
Location: Shipdham War Memorial, All Saints Churchyard, Church Close, Shipdham.
Type: Wheel-head Cross
Description:
The memorial is constructed from grey Devonshire granite, in the form of a freestanding, rough-hewn, Celtic wheel-head cross. It is used to commemorate twenty-nine local servicemen who died in World War One, and latterly ten men who died in World War Two (although two died post-war from their injuries). A general commemoration is also given for the 8th Bomber Command USAAF. The cross is described as “on a slightly tapering shaft, resting upon a three-tiered octagonal base”, and that it “is decorated with carved strapwork and the Crown of Victory at the centre” (S1). There is an inscription on the plinth in relief lettering, painted black. Surrounding the memorial are eight low granite posts.
Proposed: Date unknown.
Designed by: Messrs Harry Hems and Sons
Constructed/Sculpted By: Messrs Harry Hems and Sons
Cost: approximately £170
Unveiled: 06 February 1921 by the Dean of Norwich.
Inscription A: THEIR NAME/ LIVETH FOR/ EVERMORE/ IN GRATEFUL MEMORY OF/ THE MEN OF SHIPDHAM/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES/ FOR THEIR COUNTRY/ IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914-1919/ (NAMES)/ TO/ THE FALLEN/ 8TH BOMBER/ COMMAND/ U.S.A.A.F./ 1939-1945/ (NAMES).
Information from Listing Description (S1) and Historic England Advice Report (S2).
See War Memorials On-line (S4) for images, the War Memorials Register (S5) for images, names and additional details, parish website (S6) for restoration details, Mapping Sculpture (S7) for biography, and 1921 newspaper article (S8).
P. Beers (HES), 28 May 2020. Amended A. Henderson (HES), 14 January 2025.

2012. Restoration.
Following a grant from Shipdham Parish Council the memorial was restored in 2012 by Perfitt’s of Diss (S6). Two post-war names were added to the memorial and the ornamental chain between the posts replaced (S7).
See Historic England Advice Report (S2) for further details.
P. Beers (HES), 28 May 2020. Amended A. Henderson (HES), 14 January 2025.

March 2018. Listed. Grade II.
See Listing Description (S1), Advice Report (S2) and Consultation Report (S3) for details.
See also War Memorials On-line (S4) and War Memorials Register (S5).
P. Beers (HES), 28 May 2020.