ST Decuman’s Church in Watchet launched a Commonwealth War Graves Booklet on Wednesday – August 8, the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Amiens and the 100-Day offensive that brought World War One to it conclusion.
The anniversary booklet is a symbol of remembrance to the men lost not only in World War One but in all conflicts since.
St Decuman’s Church was given Commonwealth War Grave (CWG) status last year and has been correlating the booklet for the last few months.
A small team was put together to find the graves listed and along the way found others in the churchyard that were not listed by the War Graves Commission, but these are now included.
The team consisted of Keran Spears, Alan Jones and Sara Summers, who is the Watchet town war memorials historian.
The booklet consists of photographs of the graves and headstones of the men in the two church cemeteries and Ariel photographs taken by local photographer Paul Scullion.
Historical facts were researched and archived by Sara from the primary source of the CWGC Internet research website.
The CWGC has given guidance and support throughout the process and printed the booklet.
It is available at St Decuman’s Church and Watchet Visitor Centre for anyone with a family link to the men on the list or for anyone with a general interest in the Commonwealth War Graves.