Westminster Abbey staff war memorial

On the wooden panelling in St George's chapel in Westminster Abbey are painted the names of Westminster Abbey staff, or former choristers, who died for their country during the 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 wars. The original panel for the Great War was painted in 1929 but unfortunately some wrong initials were painted when it was restored in 1952. The correct initials are given below (taken from the service paper):

Remember before God
G.A. Adams
E.G. Barbary
O.S. Barnes
G.W. Bavin
L.D. Chidson, M.C.
A.V. Dodd
F.W. Hopkins
F.H. Johnson
J.W. Knight
T.L.J. Shurly
W.J. Tadd
C. Wicks
Servants of the Abbey who fell in the War 1914-1918

George Allsop Adams, Oswald Spice Barnes, Geoffrey Wynne Bavin, Laurence Drury Chidson (Military Cross), Allan Victor Dodd, Francis Hugh Johnson, James William Knight and Thomas Lionel John Shurly were all old choristers. Edward Barbary was on the works staff, William James Tadd was a bookstall assistant, Christopher Wicks was on the cleaning staff and Mr Hopkins' position is unknown. A service was held for them on 29th June 1919.

Remember before God
J.H. Belleini
F.J. Chaddock
G.S. Clear
P.G. Hopkins
K. Holland
J.M. Longley
V.J. Pattison
G.L. Ratcliffe
M. St J. Wallis
Servants of the Abbey who fell in the War 1939-1945

Frederick John Chaddock, Gordon Sampson Clear (D.F.C.), Percival Gerald Hopkins, Kenneth Holland, John Miller Longley, Vincent James Pattison, Gordon Lennox Ratcliffe and Michael St John Wallis were ex-choristers. Mr Belleini was a cashier in the administration office.

Further reading

For details on all casualties during the two wars see the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website

Memorial

29th June 1919

Occupation

Soldier

Location

St George's Chapel

Memorial Type

Plaque

Westminster Abbey staff war memorial
Westminster Abbey staff 1914-1918 war memorial

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2024 Dean and Chapter of Westminster

Westminster Abbey staff war memorial
Westminster Abbey staff 1939-1945 war memorial

This image can be purchased from Westminster Abbey Library

Image © 2024 Dean and Chapter of Westminster