Plaque: Eton Manor - WW1
War Memorial
Erection date: 2013
{Below the Eton Manor's two-tone blue chip pennant:}
In memory of those Eton Manor members who died on active service during World War One 1914 - 1918 {followed by a list of 22 names.}
This WW1 panel was erected in 2013 and is noticeably more modern in style and in better condition than the two WW2 panels flanking it. Our photo shows the WW1 plaque to the left and the second WW2 plaque to the right.
The names are in alphabetical sequence with these exceptions: the first three have been promoted to the top of the list (Captain; Lieut. The Hon.; Lieut.) due to their seniority; and the last name, Pearce.
Site: Eton Manor old boys war memorial (3 memorials)
E20, Eastway, Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre
In our photo the Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars memorial is on the left. On the right, the lower middle plaque commemorates WW1, the other 3, WW2. War Memorials Online has useful photos.
War Memorials Online says: "The memorial was relocated as part of the Olympic Games development of the site and is now outside the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre" which is where we found it. But where was it before? We'd like to see photos of these various plaques in their original locations.
The BBC inform that Eton Manor Old Boys would meet at the war memorials annually on Remembrance Sunday to pay tribute to former members of the club who died during both world wars. During the Olympics the memorials were put into storage so the Remembrance Sunday gatherings took place at the Eton Manor Rugby Club, near Redbridge tube station. And after the games the memorials were restored so, presumably, the gatherings are taking place here again.
Games Monitor has photos of this memorial in 2006. The 'V' panel was almost exactly as now. The '4-plaque section' was almost the same as now but without the lower central plaque. Also it looks as if the supporting wall(s) were longer, possibly serving the more normal function of a wall as well. What the Games Monitor photos don't show is how the two panels related to each other.
See our page Eton Mission and Eton Manor Clubs for the history of the clubs.
The film 'What Have You Done Today Mervyn Day?' ( London Trilogy, Films of St Etienne 2003-2007) shows this site and the memorials (not very clearly) before the Olympics arrived.
