In 1919 MOUSEHOLE WAR MEMORIAL committee unanimously decided to erect a memorial for the 36 brave men who made the supreme sacrifice 1914-1919.
The unveiling ceremony was in December 1920
MOUSEHOLE WAR MEMORIAL
UNVEILING CEREMONY
The unveiling ceremony in connection with Mousehole Town War Memorial, on Saturday, was deeply impressive.
Mr. C. Tregenza, J.P., C.C., presided, and remarked that the large number of friends were present to do honour to the nearly 400 townsmen who served in the great war and in sorrow and sympathy for their 36 brave men who made the supreme sacrifice.
The committee appointed had experienced some considerable difficulty in selecting a suitable site. It was, however, eventually decided that the site selected was the most suitable and the base of the memorial being built out into the harbour added both height and dignity. Considering the form of the memorial it had been well accomplished in that stately cenotaph.
The cenotaph takes the shape of an obelisk, the base stand true and square and is enriched with floral wreaths and simple mouldings. Upon this base great blocks of Sheffield granite are piled block on block, gradually diminishing until it is crowned with a pointed apex stone. It is difficult to imagine anything that could be more simple and yet so impressive and dignified. Indeed the memorial for Mousehole is beautiful and worthy to be placed in a much larger town. It bears the following inscription: “To the glory of God and in memory of the thirty-six who made the supreme sacrifice and of all those who served in the great war 1914-1919.”
Rev. Edgar B. Crocker (Wesleyan) and Rev. J. Hartley Duerden (United Methodist), having addressed the gathering.
Mrs. Bolitho (widow of the late Col. W. E. T. Bolitho, Trevelloe), in unveiling the memorial, said: “In the unveiling of the memorial we lay this tribute at their feet in sure and certain hope that our dear ones are called to higher service, and that their name liveth for evermore. I was delighted to read only a week or two ago of the bravery of a Mousehole man, Edward Pentreath, M.C. I remember another brave Mousehole man, Philip Wallis, who to-day is an invalid through the torpedoing of the Goliath. If we can do nothing else we surely ought to help each other, and thus help to make our country a better place to live in.”
The vicar (Rev. Fred J. Prideaux) dedicated the memorial. Capt. Bassett offered prayer, and Lieut. Thomas, also of Salvation Army, read the Scripture.
In explaining the financial position, the chairman stated that the total cost of the memorial was £370, and that the remaining debt to date was about £40. As a committee they were greatly indebted to Mr. F. G. Drewitt (of Messrs. Cowell, Drewitt and Wheatley, architects and surveyors, Penzance) who had prepared plans and seen that the work was excellently well carried out, for so kindly adding the amount of their account towards the memorial funds, and sending the account cancelled. This was considered magnanimous and appreciated by all.
On the proposition of Mrs. Prideaux, seconded by Mrs. F. B. Jarvis (Chywoone) Mrs. Bolitho was warmly thanked for kindly unveiling the memorial.
Beautiful floral tributes were laid on the base by relatives and friends.
Mr. Tregenza then formally handed the memorial over to Paul Urban District Council.
Mr. John White, jun., chairman of the council, accepted on behalf of that body. That day was unique in the history of Mousehole, and the memorial erected to their brave men was a credit to the parish of Paul. He assured the assembly that no effort would be lacking on the council’s part to permanently protect and preserve that beautiful memorial and asked the co-operation of the inhabitants of Mousehole with this object in view. Mr. White heartily congratulated the committee on the very satisfactory results and also paid a tribute to the committee’s architect, Mr. Drewitt, who had discharged his duties in such an efficient manner.
The hymns: “O God our help”, “For all the Saints”, and “God Bless our Native Land” were reverently sung. Miss L. M. Wright was at the organ.
Mr. R. T. Harvey is the treasurer, and Mr. B. Wright secretary.
Messrs. W. H. Snell and Son were the sculptors.
Transcribed from The Cornishman dated 22nd December 1920