‘They made the ultimate sacrifice’

Members of the armed forces, Royal British Legion and representatives from the Mercian Regiment, led by Lance Corporal Derby, marched from the memorial library gardens to the war memorial.

The air force, army and navy cadets then followed as everyone congregated around the cenotaph on Memorial Avenue.

An air of respect fell upon the crowds as military and civic representatives from around Bassetlaw stood silent in memory of all the service men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country, as Father Nicholas Spicer read a prayer of dedication.

The new plaque was unveiled by chairman of Bassetlaw Council Ian Campbell on the afternoon of 8th August.

“I unveil this plaque in honoured memory of the men of our district who gave their lives during both World Wars,” he said.

“I would ask you to reflect on what these men did for us, and for our families, and of how they died in the performance of their duty to preserve our liberty.”

“May the plaque that I have just unveiled ever serve to remind us of those who are left, and those who come after, of the supreme sacrifice made by these men, and may we all be inspired by their example.”

The rededication of Worksop War Memorial recognises the extra names that have been added to the eastern plaque at the cenotaph.

“They are all heroes and should be remembered by the Bassetlaw public,” he added.

“What these men did to allow us to be here today is worth remembering. They fought for the welfare of their loved ones, and for future generations.”

The names of the men already on the cenotaph had been carefully collected and recorded. But with the aid of modern technology, additional names have been discovered which should have been included on the memorial.

Bassetlaw Council and The Western Front Association have combined and enabled these names to be recorded on the additional plaque, together with the name of a young Worksop airman killed in the Second World War.

The dedication was held on 8th August as it was on this day in 1918 the army secured a victory over Germany in the Battle of Amiens.

It led to the defeat of Imperial German Army in the field, combined with the effect of the Royal Navy blockade, caused the German Government to sue for armistice. The fighting was over.

Chairman of the Worksop branch of the Royal British Legion Brian Madden said the rededication was an important time to remember those who had fallen.

“I was so pleased to see so many people turn out for the rededication,” he said.

“We were all there to remember and honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their family and friends.”

“It’s an unfortunate reminder of the sacrifice our armed forces make and it’s an important time to remember and be respectful.”