STREAT WAR MEMORIAL

World War 1 - Roll of Honour with detailed information
Compiled and copyright © Alan Seymour 2004

Approximately 3 miles east of Ditchling, along the B2116 Lewes Road, turn left into Streat Lane and about a mile along this road standing on rising ground hidden from view by trees is the:

PARISH CHURCH OF STREAT

In its original form it was built soon after the compilation of the 'Domesday Book', to replace two Saxon churches and almost certainly on the site of one of them.  Little Norman building remains, let alone the Saxon, following heavy restoration in the late nineteenth century when the Norman doorways were lost.

The church is quite small and pleasing to the eye, but has no outstanding features on the outside or in the churchyard.  Inside there are two interesting iron grave-slabs set into the floor.  One is thought to be the largest in the country. 

There are some good wall tablets also from the eighteenth century and the royal arms of Charles II dated 1660 above the chancel arch.

CHURCHYARD

There are no official war graves in this churchyard, but on the south side of the church is found the family grave of George & Louisa Richardson.  Louisa died aged 69 in 1926 and George died age 79 years in 1939.  Below their inscriptions there is also another that reads:-

"Also of their Son Ernest George 4th Batt. (Battalion) Royal Sussex Regt. killed in action 29 July 1918 aged 26 years"

GREAT WAR MEMORIAL

Across the small lane to the south of the church is found the churchyard extension.  Located at the eastern end is the Parish War Memorial to Streat & Westmeston.  No names are inscribed on this memorial but there is an inscription that reads:-

"To remember the war 1914-1918.  Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory."

INSIDE CHURCH - NAVE

On the north wall at the western corner of the Nave, are the War Memorials to both wars.  There are seven names commemorated for the Great War and eight for the Second World War.  The dedication on the Great War Memorial reads:-

"To the Glory of God and in honour of the men of the Paris who gave their Country in the Great War 1914-1918.  Erected by the people of Streat & Westmeston"

The seven names listed on this memorial are:-

BAINES  Frederick Athelstan	2nd Lieutenant, Kings Royal Rifles
BATEUP  Samuel Frederick	Driver, Royal Garrison Artillery
EDWARDS  Bertram	Rifleman, 20th Rifle Brigade
LEANEY  Henry	Driver, Royal Garrison Artillery
NEWNHAM  Leonard	Lance Corporal, 8th Royal Sussex Regiment
RICHARDSON  Ernest George	Private, 4th Royal Sussex Regiment
TORRY  John Shirley Archibald	2nd Lieutenant, 12th Rifle Brigade

On the west wall in the same corner is the framed Record of Service for Streat & Westmeston, the same list also found in Westmeston Church.  Listed in two columns are the names of 49 men and the details of their enlistment.  A note is made against a name of those who were killed or wounded.  Above the names is the following inscription:

'Record of Service' for 1914-1918, Streat and Westmeston

MEMORIAL RESEARCH

The names listed here are from the memorial and the Roll of Honour. Those on the memorial are denoted 'M' and those on the Roll of Honour are denoted 'R'.

24 June 2004