Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 30 July 1920 (page 13) reported:
'War Memorials UNVEILED AT BLACK TORRINGTON. Tuesday will long be remembered at Black Torrington as one of the most noteworthy days ever known in the parish. The inhabitants, irrespective of sect or creed, turned out in hundreds to do honour to the eight young fellows who had given their lives for King and country in the Great War. At early celebration of Holy Communion at the parish church the Rector (the Rev. T. Buncombe) unveiled an oak tablet, subscribed for by members of the church. At 4 o'clock the church was filled to overflowing for a united service. The prayers were taken by the Rector, and an appropriate, although brief, address was given the Rev. E. A. Donaldson (Rural Dean). The musical portions were rendered by the united choirs, with Miss Kelly at the organ. While singing "Through the night of doubt and sorrow" the clergy, choirs, members of the Parish Council, ex-Service men (under Sergt. lvey), school children, and congregation left the church, and proceeded to a site where the parish memorial had been erected. Alter reading a portion of Scripture, the Rector, on behalf of the parish, asked Col. C. E. English, R.A., to unveil their tribute. After requesting C.P.O. Sanders, R.N., and Sergt. L. J. Dart, both in uniform, to remove the wrappings, the gallant Colonel, in a few words, extolled the worthiness of the men they were there to honour. The memorial was then dedicated by the Ven. Archdeacon of Totnes, and a verse of the National Anthem sung. Lieut. Col. R.A. Wooldridge, United Methodist chaplain, said they were met to honour the noble and brave men who went forth from the parish to fight for home, friends, country, and God. As a nation we had short memories - how we lauded, during the first years of the war, the noble heroes who went to their death for us without a murmur, and however much we lauded or glorified their action it was impossible to do them justice. But, alas! how soon we forget. The war was over and things were slowly assuming their condition, and was it not true, he asked, that, save in the homes where there were vacant chairs and broken hearts, the war was looked upon as an episode? The man with no soul would as soon employ a so-called conscientious objector as a man who had been to the front, but he thanked God there were some at least, who were more worthy to fight for. Black Torrington had set a good example. The young men had not waited to be coerced, and among the names inscribed upon that stone were some that would never have been called to join the colours had they chosen to stay at home. Some of our very best had been taken from us, and were lying now in distant lands without a cross, because their bodies had never been found. That day they unveiled to their undying memory that stone - that emblem of liberty and freedom - and he asked all those when they passed by in future and looked upon it they would call to remembrance all that it meant, and do homage in their hearts to the heroes whose names were inscribed hereon. The hymn "Abide with me" was then sung, and a most impressive service concluded with the sounding of the "Last Post" by Bugler Sanders, of Hatherleigh. The memorial is a handsome Cornish cross of rough Cornish granite, and bears the inscription: "In memory of those from this parish who gave their lives the Great War 1914-1919 William C. Bailey, Harold S. Ball, George C. Beal, Melville J. Chapman, Oswald R. Hopper, Walter J. Isaac, Frederick H. Perkin, Philip Ward." Among the many floral tributes placed around the base by relatives and friends and school children was a handsome anchor, inscribed "From their old comrades. They live for ever." A muffled peal was rung, and the tower flag and others were flying at half-mast throughout the day.
The site is a fine situation, being adjoining the principal street. It measures 32 feet by 29 feet, and has been given by the lord of the manor, Colonel Coham-Fleming. The Committee purpose laying it out nicely, and it will then be vested in the Parish Council
The annual tea in connexion with the Church Dedication Festival was held after the above, and largely attended...'
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