The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

[DelBoy]

The cross of sacrifice in Arbroaths Western Cemetery.

UKNIWM Ref: 5711
Os Map Ref: NO 640 410

It was unveiled on Sunday May 30th 1953, in memory of the 73 personnel from HMS Condor (Arbroath) and HMS Peewit (Easthaven).

[Adam Brown]

Delboy

The Cross of sacrifice you see in many cemeteries is put there by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It may be tended by the local RBL branch though since it looks like it is in very good condition.

According to the CWGC webiste there are 62 war graves in Arbroath Western cemetery:

"The cemetery contains graves of both World Wars. The 1914-1918 graves are scattered in the cemetery. Most of the 1939-1945 graves are in a service plot, but a few are in other parts of the cemetery. There are now a small number of 1914-1918 war casualties and nearly 60, 1939-1945 War casualties commemorated in this site."

I'll edit the title of this topic to replace the RBL with CWGC.

Regards

Adam

[DelBoy]

Thanks for the info Adam.

As it happens the Scottish Anzac ceremony is held every year here, as there are four graves of New Zealand service men.

http://www.nzsscotland.org.uk/anzac.htm

[Keptie]

The Cross of Sacrifice of the CWGC at the Western Cemetery at Arbroath was unveiled on Sunday 30 May 1953 at a ceremony and Provost J K Moir (Arbroath was present ) along with Brigadier James A. Oliver , CB, CBE, DSO, TD, DL, LLD , The Black Watch ( in uniform) of Arbroath.

The booklet "Wir Bookie o' the 1950's by Arbroath Herald shows a photograph of the war graves and cross of sacrifice along with the officials and the caption shows this " On Sunday , May 30th , 1953 , a Cross of Sacrifice was unveiled in a moving ceremony in the Western Cemetery . Constructed of white stone , the memorial was erected by the Imperial War Graves commission in memory of the 73 personnel who died while serving at HMS Condor , and HMS Peewit at Easthaven . The service was conducted by the Rev Angus Loggan , Old Parish church and an introduction was read by Provost J K Moir . The dedication was conducted by the Rev J K Boulton Jones , senior chaplain , HMS Condor . Also preent were Vice Admiral EMC Abel- Smith , RN. , first commanding officer at Condor , and the Rev Carndoc Hughes , RN HMS Condor . Praise was led by Arbroath Instrumental Band and an sugmented choir from Arbroath churches .

.