An additional slab engraved with the names of four soldiers is now on display outside St Mary’s Church in Swardeston – four miles south of Norwich – with the current First World War memorial.
Swardeston war memorial (Image: Sonya Duncan)
Derek Barber, chairman of Swardeston parish council, said the slab, which “should have been installed years ago”, is particularly important to his partner.
He said: “My wife was born in the village nearly 79 years ago.
“Her uncle, Paul Norman Towler, is one of the four names engraved.
The new plaque is made of granite (Image: Sonya Duncan)
The memorial is outside St Mary’s Church in Swardeston (Image: Sonya Duncan)
“He died, in January 1943, as a Japanese prisoner of war on the Burma Railway.
“An appeal to raise funds for a new church organ was launched in 1946.
“In 1948 the church purchased a second-hand organ.
“The brass plate was transferred to the new organ.
“But, because the organ is inside, for decades, these soldiers would often be forgotten during remembrance services that took place next to the First World War memorial.”
The new plaque, made of granite, is engraved with the names Jack Harold Parfitt, Paul Norman Towler, George Benjamin Warnes and Frederick Michael Warren, all from Swardeston.
Left, Jack Parfitt and, right, Paul Towler (Image: Newsquest)
Mr Barber added: “The parish council paid for it to be installed.
“We couldn’t modify the old memorial.
“It became a grade II listed structure in 2017.
“But we were allowed to add a new tablet to the bottom.
“We will be holding a dedication service on March 29 at 11.30.
“I have managed to get in touch with the families of three of the four men.
“Some of them will be attending.
“The Royal Norfolk and Royal Anglian Association will also be there.