St. Peter’s Church, Flyford Flavell has two battlefield crosses, this one from WW1 and a second one from WW2. They are mounted on the north wall under the bell tower. The church is usually locked, the key may be obtained from the house behind the village shop and post office (50m away) – which appears to be closed down now. The red ‘GPO’ phone kiosk outside the shop has been converted into a library.

Location: St Peter’s Church, Flyford Flavell, Worcestershire, WR7 4BS

Cross 1 – Frank Tandy

Details on cross
I. W. G. C.
GRAVE. 1.
FRANK TANDY
14/ GLOUCESTERS
16. 10. 18.

Text type: GRU tags.

Cross dimensions
Shaft Height: 745 mm
Cross beam width: 406 mm
Width of wood: 65 mm
Thickness or depth: 21 mm

Other information
Mounting to wall: Fixed to wall with screws.
Detailing: Plain cross with GRU tags only, no detailing.
Evidence of use in field: Slight marking to base, under the stain.
Surface insertion depth : None visible, possible cut off at base.
Finish: Dark stained.
Condition: Good condition, possibly a hard wood. Some splitting and warping around a knot on the cross beam.

Notes and observations:
From CWGC:
Name: Tandy, Francis
Rank: Private
Service No: 291026
Date of Death: 16/10/1918
Age: 23
Regiment 14th Bn. Gloucestershire Regiment
Buried at BINCHE COMMUNAL CEMETERY (the only war grave in this cemetery)
Additional Information: Son of James and Fanny Tandy, of Flyford Flavell, Worcester.

Census
In 1901, living at Flyford Flavell with parents James and Fanny M. Tandy.
In 1911, as Frank Tandy, living as a lodger (cowman and garden lad), with the rector of Dormston and Kington.

Medal records shows previous service no 1828 with 8th Bn. Worcestershire Regiment, which landed at Boulogne on 1st April 1915. Gratuity payments and service number would indicate he volunteered or re-enlisted in August 1914.

Commemorated on the War Memorial Cross in the church yard as Francis Tandy, this stone cross is rebuilt from a former cross which blew down in a gale. The church has a photo of the original memorial cross. Also commemorated on Flyford Flavell Council School Memorial, details at www.rememberthefallen.co.uk This style of oak memorial is a common feature in many Worcestershire Council schools.

Cross 2 – FRANCIS GEORGE LEONARD PREECE

(SECOND WORLD WAR)

Details on cross:
I. W. G. C. (graphic)
PRIVATE F. G. L. PREECE
ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS
15. 11. 42

Text type: Black painted letters.

Cross dimensions
Shaft Height: 1015 mm
Cross beam width: 405 mm
Width of wood: 73 mm
Thickness or depth: 35mm

Other information
Mounting: Screwed to wall.
Detailing: Pointed base to shaft, no other details
Evidence of use in field: Aged paint. Pointed base has been refinished.
Surface insertion depth: Difficult to tell, due to short section of base having been repainted.
Finish: White paint, black letters. Original sign writers guide lines visible.
Condition: Some paint cracked and flaking. Yellowing of paint. Has weathered ‘OHMS’ address label attached..

Notes:
The OHMS address label has the address The Vicar, Bishampton Vicarage, Nr. Pershore, Worcestershire. Pte Preece is buried in this churchyard, presumably the temporary grave marker was supplied by IWGC. He is also Commemorated on the War Memorial Cross in the church yard, this stone cross is rebuilt from a former cross which blew down in a gale. The church has a photo of the original memorial cross. St. Peter’s Church, Flyford Flavell has two battlefield crosses, one from WW1 and a this one from WW2. They are mounted on the north wall under the bell tower.

The church is usually locked, the key may be obtained from the house behind the village shop and post office (50m away) – which appears to be closed down now. The red ‘GPO’ phone kiosk outside the shop has been converted into a library.

From CWGC:
PREECE, FRANCIS GEORGE LEONARD
Rank: Private
Service No: 10557116
Date of Death: 15/11/1942
Age: 29
Regiment/Service: Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Grave Reference: North of church tower, FLYFORD FLAVELL (ST. PETER) CHURCHYARD
Additional Information: Son of Francis George Leonard Preece, D.C.M., and Ada Mabel Preece; husband of Barbara Mary Preece, of Tolladine, Worcester.

Survey and Photographs courtesy of Geoff Sullivan
Date of survey: 22 September 2016