AS the church clock struck 11am, so the Garden of Remembrance was dedicated in the parish churchyard at Crediton, watched by members of Crediton branch Royal British Legion and others.

The dedication was by the Curate, the Rev Dominic Doble. Arnold Vosper was the Legion Standard Bearer and Cecil Penny carryed the Union Flag.

The first poppy cross was planted by John Shaw, chairman Crediton RBL. Afterwards he, with the branch Poppy Appeal organiser Derek Rowe and Arnold and Cecil, planted poppy crosses on each of the World War One graves in the churchyard.

They were of Private S J Tucker (aged 18, Devonshire Regiment, died December, 1918), Gunner W S Doddridge (aged 26, died January 1919), Serjeant J Parkyn (Devonshire Regiment, (died June 1918), Private E Adams (aged 56, 3rd Btn Canadian Infantry, died January 1918) are all maintained with a small grant from the War Graves Commission.

The other graves at Crediton are RFLMN S W Dymond (aged 22, 9th London Regiment, died September 1916), Hubert Holloway Pitts (aged 24, died November 1918), Alexander John Born (aged 20, died 1919), brothers William Mann (aged 25, died February 1919) and John Mann (killed in action aged 28, January 1916).

QCM Sgt H Webb (aged 38, died November 1914), Wilfred Coleman (aged 29, died 1919), James Elston (aged 36, died June 1918), Harry Neiass R.N. (aged 31, died December 1917, his name is also on the Teignmouth War Memorial), and Lewis C Tothill (aged 18, died August 1918).

Crediton Parish Church is mounting a display in the church next summer to mark the start of WWI, which will direct people to the main exhibition in the town museum in the Old Town Hall.

The Civic Service of Remembrance for Crediton Town and Hamlets will be held on Sunday, November 10. A service, starting at 10.30am at Crediton Parish Church, will be followed by a parade to the War Memorial, led by Crediton Town Band.

Sue Read