We Will Remember Them: A Centennial Memorial to the First World War Dead of Thames Ditton

Friends of St. Nicholas' Church, Thames Ditton are pleased to have commissioned and present this book, 'We will remember them', authored by church member and military historian, Malcolm Cooper, as part of the centenary anniversary of Armistice Day.

Malcolm has worked tirelessly, meticulously researching those who came from Thames Ditton to fight in World War One, and ultimately give their lives as part of the war effort. Through Malcolm's endeavors, we can understand the breadth of the sacrifice that the one hundred and seven men and one woman made, the circumstances in which they fought and fell, and something of their background and upbringing.

The accounts are insightful, often moving, and allow us to consider the debt of gratitude that we owe. Every year we gather on Remembrance Sunday, either in church, or at the War Memorial on Giggs Hill Green, to say 'we will remember them'. Thanks to Malcolm's efforts, we can now remember them with greater clarity and understanding.

The sacrifice of all those who died can be seen and made sense of in the light of Jesus Christ. It was his supreme sacrifice on the cross for us all that conquered death, and opened up the way for us to know eternal life and peace. Let us also remember and give thanks to Him.

Rev. Andrew Cowie,
Vicar, St. Nicholas' Church,
Thames Ditton.