St. Augustine in Westbury is a small church tucked away in a tiny Buckinghamshire village. As you go through the church gate, the village war memorial is in front of you. There are no names on it but a plaque with the roll of honour is inside the church. A huge 300 year old yew tree dominates the graveyard. The two crosses are tucked away at the back of the church behind the last pew. They are simply standing up against the wall. I took them both out very carefully to photograph and measure them.
Location: St Augustines Church Town/village: Westbury County: Bucks Postcode: NN13 5JT
James Arthur Fenemore
Details on cross:
One metal tag “GRU” at the top.
RIP
No 28186 Pte J.A. FINEMORE
E.SURREY. REGT
DIED OF WOUNDS
21-10-1918
Text type: painted. All inscriptions are painted on. It appears that the cross has been repainted around the original lettering.
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 995mm
Cross beam width: 440mm
Width of wood: 73mm
Thickness or depth: 20mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: not mounted
Detailing: None
Evidence of use in field: no evidence as the cross has been painted grey
Surface insertion depth: None
Finish: painted grey around the original markings
Condition: Good condition
Other information, notes and observations:
James Arthur Fenemore’s name is spelt incorrectly on the cross. The cwgc and census lists him as Fenemore. His cross has the name Finemore. He was the son of Charles and Emma Jane of Westbury.
On the 1911 census James was one of 5 young men living and working as gardeners at Westbury Manor. 28186, D Coy, 1st Bn East Surreys.
James died of wounds 21/10/1918 and is buried at Bethencourt communal cemetery, Northern France.
Both Surveys and photographs courtesy of Suzanne Make.
Harry Robinson
Details on cross:
GRU tag at top of cross.
1576 Pte H Robinson
7th Bn Royal West Kent Regiment
Killed in action 21st March 1918
RIP
There is a picture of the Royal West Kent cap badge at the top of the cross, underneath the GRU tag .
Text type: painted in grey paint
Cross dimensions (millimetres please)
Shaft Height: 1500mm
Cross beam width: 750mm
Width of wood: 85mm
Thickness or depth: 25mm
Square plate (if supported)
Width of Square arms: 60mm
Angle of arms: 45
outside measurement: 400mm
Inside measurement: 275mm
Thickness: 20mm
Other information
Mounting to wall: not mounted
Detailing:
Evidence of use in field: bottom of cross has some evidence of earth insertion.
Surface insertion depth: None
Finish: unpolished wood
Condition: good condition. Some woodworm
Other information, notes and observations:
There is a little “shelf” attached to the bottom of the cross. It appears to be original and not added later. A bunch of silk poppies are attached to the cross with a small tag attached from the family.
Text on tag..
First World War
In remembrance of Harry Robinson our great uncle.
Les & Len Robinson and all members of the Robinson family.
Harry is buried in Chauny communal cemetery British extension after being reinterred after the armistice.
