A Trip down Memory Lane - 1941

Many local branches of the British Legion combined to form an imposing parade at the Buckhurst Hill Congregational Church on Sunday.  The service was conducted by the minister and branch chairman, the Rev Alex Birkmire, who gave an interesting address on 'Memory and Remembrance'. 

St James URC, 1941

He referred to the battle of the Somme, exactly 25 years ago, when many brave comrades had lost their lives in defence of their country. He went on to say how vivid must be the memories of that day to the survivors.  Over three hundred people were present and the minister's address was much appreciated.  After the service the company marched to St Stephen's War Shrine where a wreath was laid by Col. Wilson, DSO, TD, DL, the branch president.

The standards presented represented the men's and women's sections of the Buckhurst Hill North Eastern District, Wanstead, East Ham, Leyton, Leytonstone, Becontree, Chadwell Heath, Woodford Green, Plaistow and Dagenham branches, then men's section of the Victoria Docks branches, and the women's sections of the Woodford Bridge and West Ham branches.

The collection which was devoted to the local branch benevolent fund amounted to £1.17s.3d.