War memorial anniversary to be marked with April service

The World War I memorial in St George's Park was unveiled by Prince Henry and dedicated by the Bishop of Norwich on January 7 1922, but in response to concerns about Covid-19 a service marking the anniversary was delayed and will now take place on Sunday, April 3, starting at 12.30pm.

The service will be led by Revd Canon Simon Ward of Great Yarmouth Minster and attended by the Mayor of Great Yarmouth. Anyone wishing to attend is asked to arrive by 12.20pm.

The white granite memorial was designed by Francis Haward of Olley and Haward, and paid for by public subscription. It commemorates 1,472 men from the borough of Great Yarmouth who lost their lives during World War I.

It was originally entered from the western side with a short flight of steps, but it was later extended with steps on all sides and a circular path surrounding the base of the mound surrounded by a metal fence.

It was partially damaged during World War II. A memorial to the fallen from that conflict - also designed by Francis Haward - was added in 1949, and also includes memorials to Gurkha soldiers and those who have died in more recent active service.

Both memorials were made Grade II listed structures in September 2010.