In keeping with most communities across the land, Ruskington was not slow to acknowledge the sacrifices made by its young men in The Great War. The Census of 1911 recorded a population of 1,214 (563 males and 651 females). Many of the 563 males had been ineligible for War Service by virtue of age or disability
On Sunday, 21 March 1920 a Latin cross about 9 feet (2.75 m.) high of white Portland stone was erected at the entrance to the village Cemetery, just beyond the Lych gate. The Memorial was dedicated by Mr George Colborne Bartlett after being unveiled by Lord Winchilsea.
The Memorial commemorates only the 30 men of the village who gave their lives in the Great War (i.e. no Second World War additions) and as well as their names and rank. It also (very usefully) lists the Regiment to which each of the casualties belonged.
The front face of the Memorial carries the dedication familiar from all Remembrance Day services, beginning: “They shall grow not old …. ” and the remaining three faces bear the names of the fallen.
In addition to the War Memorial Cross, Ruskington has four other Memorial sites and each has its own page in this site. Access these through the links on the MENU BAR above.
All of these bear the same 30 names of the village fallen, e.g. The Methodist Church Memorial – right. However, research for this site has shown a number of other casualties, men who were born, or had family links, in Ruskington, but before enlisting had subsequently moved away.
These men are also commemorated here.
