COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION PLOT IN EPSOM CEMETERY

At 3pm on 17 May 1925 the Bishop of Winchester unveiled and dedicated the 'War Cross' and Memorial in a special plot within Epsom cemetery. Behind the Cross of Sacrifice is a screen wall, on which are inscribed the names of 148 men, most of whom died in the Horton War Hospital.

Of the 148 men named 59 are Canadian, 6 are Australian, 2 are Gurkhas, 1 is from Burma and 1 from India. The other 79 are from a variety of units from the UK, mainly army but there are 3 from naval forces.

We have only just started researching the names on the CWGC memorial and at present only the details for the following individuals are available :-

William Herbert Mack (also commemorated on the Ashley Road memorial)
Arthur Swannack (New 10/01/2010)
Arthur White (also commemorated on the Ashley Road memorial)

The fifteen panels on the screen wall
Images courtesy of Clive Gilbert © 2009

One man, Private P. McMahon died in the Horton War Hospital and was buried within the Horton Estate Cemetery. This cemetery holds the remains of over 8,000 people who passed away whilst they were inmates at one of Epsom's asylums. Why Private P. McMahon was the only soldier to be buried in the Horton Estate cemetery is a mystery. He is, however commemorated within the CWGC plot, with a special memorial. See picture.