Remembrance Day is a time to reflect on our country’s history and events and services
will be taking place at many of our churches which remind us of those who sacrificed
their lives for a better world.
At St Peter’s Church in Cradley, a number of military graves have been discovered as
a result of a major project to clear the churchyard. Thanks to generous donations, the
graves have been uncovered and renovated, and now the stories of the fallen who rest
there can be told.
In total, there are 13 war graves at St Peter’s,
12 from the two World Wars and one which
dates back to 1900 for a soldier who died in
the Boer War. The stories of some of these
people can be found on the church’s website.
For example, buried in the churchyard is Alf
Willetts, a man who miraculously survived
being shot after the bullet hit a bible in his
pocket. However, a few years later on April 23
1917, Alf was killed in action after being shot
as he tried to carry a wounded soldier back
to camp.
St Peter’s churchyard provides a beautiful and
educational location to remember and respect
those who participated in the events of the
Boer War, World War 1 and World War 2.
Please pray for those who lost their lives in battle for
the protection of their country, and for those helping in
Remembrance services today.
Bromsgrove Deanery – Rural Dean: Garth Nathaniel;
Lay Chair: David Hargreaves
Diocese of Upper Shire (Central Africa): Bishop Brighton Malasa
Diocese of Winchester: Bishop Timothy Dakin with Bishops
David Williams (Basingstoke) and Jonathan Frost (Southampton)
Diocese of Agder & Telemark (Norway): Bishop Stein Reinertsen
