Church refuses to reinstate war memorial unless relatives of dead object

A brass plaque, dedicated to three soldiers who died during World War One and were members of the Epsom Methodist Church, was removed from the wall of the church during refurbishment in 2006.

At the time the church council decided to give the plaque to Bourne Hall Museum believing it was not necessary to have it on display in the church in Ashley Road as none of the fallen's relatives remained in the area, or had voiced any concerns.

But, speaking weeks before Remembrance Sunday, Clive Gilbert, a local historian from Ewell who has been researching war memorials in Epsom and Ewell for the past six years, believes its removal was an insult to the dead and has asked the church to reinstate it.

He said: “What an insult, not only to the three men who died, but to the whole of the congregation of the Great War era who wished their fallen to be remembered and respected by future generations.

“It seems that the Methodists of Epsom are out of step with the rest of the nation and are seeking to deny that any of their congregation fell.”

The memorial has remained in storage since its arrival at Bourne Hall six years ago and is not expected to be on display for at least another two years as its memorials displayed in rotation. Jeremy Hart, curator at Bourne Hall Museum, said: “As a general museum policy we take things that have lost their use or function in the wider world.

“We would certainly not stand in the way of a request that a memorial be built back into the church. It’s not catalogued in the museum and we wouldn’t say no, and in fact we would be rather chuffed.”

Peter Bruinvels, county field officer for Surrey for the Royal British Legion and a Canon at Guildford Cathedral, said: “I think it’s an ill judged decision and insensitive.

“My belief is that memorials are there to remind people to ensure they never forget.

“The fact that relatives are no longer there should not give reason to take it away.

“That bravery must never be forgotten.

“I would urge them to reconsider.

“What they really should do is have it rededicated on November 11."

Reverend Nick Oborski, minister at the church who took over after the decision to remove the plaque in 2006, said it would be a moral question as to whether the church should revoke the decision of an earlier church council and it was up to relatives of the dead to object if they chose to.

He said: “The plaque was removed from Epsom Methodist Church for safety during our renovation in 2006.

“The church council tried to trace the families of the three soldiers named on the plaque but were unsuccessful.

“The decision was then taken to donate the plaque to the museum at Bourne Hall.

“We have since been able to speak with one relative.

“As yet no concerns have been raised directly with us by any of the relatives of the deceased.

“However, we will be very happy to discuss any concerns they may have if they would like to speak with us.

“We are indebted to the bravery of soldiers who fought in the First World War and the sacrifices they made.

“We will always remember and honour their commitment.”

Have your say at epsomguardian.co.uk Three men of Epsom Methodist Church who fell during World War One · Private Selling Daniel Smith, 24, killed in action on September 4, 1915.

He is buried in Maroc British Cemetery, Grenay, France.

Pte Smith is also remembered on his parent’s grave in Epsom Cemetery.

· Gunner William Clifford, 42, died of wounds on July 20, 1917.

He is buried in Dozinghem British Cemetery, Belgium.

Gnr Clifford left a widow and two children aged ten and eleven.

· Bombardier Robert Butland, 31, died of wounds on, September 26, 1918.

He is buried in Duisains British Cemetery, France.

Bmbdr Butland left a widow and a one year-old son.