100th Anniversary of the Cross of Sacrifice
Honoured by the presence of the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr. James Baillie, the Lady Mayoress Becky Baillie, Past Lord Mayor Cllr.. Jacqui Rayment, past Mayor Cllr. Alex Houghton, distinguished guests and members, FoSOC commemorated the centenary of the unveiling of the Cross of Sacrifice in the Old Cemetery. On behalf of the Chairman and Members of FoSOC, Geoff Watts welcomed everyone and reminded that the graceful design of the Cross was the creation of Sir Reginald Blomfield, one of the, then, Imperial War Commission’s architects and was adopted by the Commission for the Cross in its war cemeteries wherever it operates throughout the World. FoSOC has had, since 2012 a very close relationship with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and our Committee Member, Lizzie O’Sullivan, is now the dedicated ‘Eyes On Hands On’ (EOHO) volunteer, for the Commission at the cemetery, under a scheme introduced in 2019. She photographs and monitors, on behalf of the Commission, each of our war graves in the cemetery, and takes guided walks of the grave sites.
The Lord Mayor recalled the ceremony in 1925 and explained how Sir Reginald had planned the Cross to appear, as it does, as a result of the thought and care he gave to the design. Mr Neil Garvey sounded the Last Post and one Minute’s silence was then observed by everyone, following which wreaths were laid by the Lord Mayor, for the city and people of Southampton, by Denise Sear an Area EOHO Co-ordinator for the Commission and by Mr William Ferguson, FoSOC’s Chairman. A very moving and apposite Blessing was given by Reverend Doctor Sarah Hall Group Minister Avenue United Reformed Church, following which Reveille was sounded on the bugle.
Geoff concluded the commemoration by thanking the Lord Mayor and everyone present. He reminded that, where seen, the Great War Cross, or Cross of Sacrifice, stands guard now, in peaceful surroundings, over the dead many of whom rest in what had once been dreadful, deadly battlefields of war – a soothing presence.
The whole commemoration was carefully planned and organised by FoSOC’s Secretary, Val Ferguson, to whom great credit is due for the dignity of the ceremony. Thank you Val and many thanks, too, to Bruce Larner who acted as Val’s PA and was our photographer for the ceremony.
Photos taken by Bruce Larner
Please note the actually event was held on the 13th September but submit onto the website the following day – 14th.
Photos taken by Bruce Larner
