The Dorset and South Wiltshire Branch of the Western Front Association has supported the Dorset Great War Memorial project from its origins in 2006.
The aim of the Dorset Great War Memorial Project has been to commemorate those lost whilst serving with the Dorsetshire Regiment during World War One. The project has, from its inception, had the enthusiastic support of the Dorset & South Wiltshire Branch (D&SW) of the WFA, which helped to launch the fund-raising appeal with a donation of £500.
Since May 2006, through regular updates from the Dorset Great War Memorial Committee, D&SW Branch members have followed the progress of the memorial closely. Through a bumper Christmas raffle, a bookstall and auction as well as individual donations and sponsorship of a member's walk to churches with Dorset Regiment memorials, Branch members have continued to help swell the project's funds. Three members undertook research into the Associated Newspapers War Memorial, which generated a donation of £2,000 for the appeal from Lord Rothermere. Branch members have watched the memorial develop from drawing to carved Portland stone and from a Dorset stonemason's workshop to its final site in France close to Lonsdale Cemetery near Authuille Wood, from where the 1st Dorsets attacked the Leipzig Salient on 1st July 1916.
D&SW Branch Chairman and Secretary, Martin and Judy Willoughby, together with a contingent from the Branch, attended the dedication service at the memorial on 7 May 2011. Judy laid a wreath on behalf of the D&SW Branch, and Martin one on behalf of the WFA.
Further details and pictures can be found on the D&SW Branch website.
Article submitted by David Seymour, WFA Education Trustee. Image Courtest D&SW Website.
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