UNKNOWN BRITISH SOLDIER
Location:
St John’s Church
Romsey Road
Lockerley
Hampshire
SO51 0JJ
Details on Cross:
GRU tag
UNKNOWN BRITISH SOLDIER
and plaque
“1914-1918 THIS CROSS TEMPORARILY MARKED THE GRAVE OF AN UNKNOWN BRITISH SOLDIER ON THE WESTERN FRONT AND IS ENTRUSTED TO YOUR CARE BY THE IMPERIAL WAR GRAVES COMMISSION.”
Other information
Inside porch of church
Detailing: None.
Evidence of use in field; staining to cut tip and lower shaft.
Surface insertion depth: Approx 1/6th of height.
Finish: None.
Condition : Weathered but clean.
Other information:
I passed through Lockerley (Hampshire) at the weekend and visited St John’s Church. There is a battlefield cross in the porch. I had no tape measure to hand, so couldn’t produce a full report, but the cross was from the grave of an unknown soldier.
Photo and survey courtsey of Michael Day.
19th September 2016
I have now measured the cross, as follows:
Length: 43 inches. Width: 16 inches. The timber used is of a cross-section 2 1/2″ by just under one inch. The ‘ arms’ are all seven inches in length. There are a few traces of old woodworm, but is otherwise in good condition.