History isn’t just a collection of dates and battles—it’s a tapestry of personal stories, of courage, sacrifice, and love. In Withernsea, a remarkable initiative is breathing life into the past by shining a light on the stories of local soldiers who gave everything during the Second World War. Thanks to the efforts of the Friends of St Nicholas Church and the Royal British Legion, a new website will soon unveil these untold narratives, ensuring the memories of these heroes endure for generations to come.
The Faces Behind the Names
For decades, the 67 names etched into the memorial plaque inside St Nicholas Church have stood as a solemn reminder of Withernsea’s sacrifice. But who were these individuals? What were their lives like before the war upended them? That’s where this project steps in. Darren England, president of the Withernsea branch of the Royal British Legion, and Darrin Stevens, chairman of the Friends of St Nicholas Church, have teamed up to provide answers—and much more.
The memorial, an extension of the Withernsea war memorial clock project, brings a deeply personal touch to history. As Darren explains, visitors will be able to click on each name and uncover a treasure trove of information. “You’ll see where they were born, who their families were, their regiments, and even details about how they lost their lives. Some entries even have photographs or artifacts, like the ships they served on or the tanks they fought in.”
Hours of Dedication, Lives Remembered
Researching and compiling these stories hasn’t been a quick task. Darren has spent “probably 50 or 60 hours” on each individual, poring over records from platforms like Ancestry, Find My Past, and old military service documents. What he’s uncovered is nothing short of extraordinary.
Take, for example, Barnfather. At just 16 years old, he was one of Withernsea’s youngest casualties. He joined the Navy as a boy sailor at 14 and tragically perished when his ship was sunk early in the war. Then there are the stories of soldiers who endured the unimaginable as prisoners of war in Burma and Thailand, forced to labor on the infamous death railways. These stories aren’t easy to hear, but they’re essential to understanding the depth of their sacrifice.
Making History Interactive
The project doesn’t stop at documenting the past. It’s about connecting Withernsea’s community to its history in a deeply personal way. Families of those listed on the memorial can contribute their own stories and memories to the website, ensuring it remains a living document.
“We’re not just telling stories,” Darrin Stevens explains. “We’re inviting people to be part of them. These aren’t just names on a wooden plaque anymore; they’re fathers, brothers, sons, and husbands with lives and legacies worth remembering.”
The interactive element is at the heart of this project’s power. It’s not just history; it’s family. As Darrin shares, he even discovered details about his own grandfather, who died in a minesweeping accident. For the first time, Darrin saw his grandfather’s medals and learned about his transition from the British Army to the military police.
The Memorial Clock: A Legacy Restored
This digital archive is an extension of an earlier restoration project that captured Withernsea’s imagination: the repair of the war memorial clock. Installed in 1947, the clock stands as a poignant tribute to those who fought and fell. When it fell into disrepair, the community rallied, raising £50,000 under Darrin Stevens’ leadership. After months of painstaking work, the clock was restored and rededicated at a special service, complete with a plaque commemorating the restoration.
The 1945 Donations List, has already documented the clock’s history and those who contributed to its original fundraiser in 1945. Visitors can even see how much their ancestors donated and add their own family’s stories to the site.
Looking to the Future
This isn’t just a history project; it’s a vision for the future. Darren and Darrin hope to install an iPad and internet connection in St Nicholas Church so visitors can explore the website on-site. Imagine standing before the memorial plaque, clicking on a name, and seeing their story unfold before your eyes.
The website is set to launch fully later this month, but the work doesn’t end there. The duo’s ambition is to expand the project to include even more details about those who served, ensuring their sacrifices aren’t just remembered but deeply understood.
Why It Matters
Why go to such lengths to preserve these stories? Because remembering isn’t just about honoring the past; it’s about shaping the present and future. Each name on that plaque represents a life interrupted, a dream cut short, and a family forever changed. By bringing these stories to light, Darren and Darrin are giving Withernsea’s residents—and the world—a chance to connect with a shared heritage.
So the next time you walk past St Nicholas Church or hear the chimes of the war memorial clock, take a moment. Remember the sacrifices. And if you can, visit the website. It’s not just history; it’s a reminder of what it means to stand together, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Visit and Contribute
The Withernsea Memorial Clock website is more than a tribute; it’s a call to action. Explore the stories, share your family’s history, and help ensure these memories live on. Become a part of this incredible journey. After all, history is only as alive as we make it.
