RAF Shawbury is presented with the Shropshire World War 1 Roll of Honour

On Monday 4th April, RAF Shawbury was presented with a copy of the Shropshire’s World War 1 Roll of Honour at a special Service at the Station Church, led by the Reverend Wing Commander Alastair Bissell.

The Roll was compiled by two local amateur military historians, Mr Neil Evans and Mr Phil Morris, and funded by public and trust donations. It was presented to Group Captain Jason Appleton, Station Commander of RAF Shawbury by Mr Neil Evans. The project involved identifying over 8,000 names inscribed on war memorials throughout the county for inclusion in the Roll of Honour. Students from the Central Air Traffic Control School at RAF Shawbury assisted with research as part of their Course Community project.

Mr Neil Evans said: “I started researching the Roll of Honour in 2006. Mr Phil Morris started researching it in 2000 but our paths did not cross until 2012. We then combined forces and compared our research. Without working together, we could not have achieved what we have in the time. One of Phil’s ambitions was to see it in print in St Chad’s Church. Thank you to Claire Crackett and to St Chad’s Church for helping us to create a document that is both new and historic - a lasting legacy”.

Group Captain Jason Appleton said: “I am delighted that some of our students were able to help with this important piece of work. One of the names that we remembered today was Private Harry Grocott, who exactly 100 years ago, on 3 April 1916, paid the ultimate sacrifice, aged 16 years old. Harry's name is to be found on the Shawbury War Memorial along with the other brave local soldiers who also gave their lives. This project has enabled families, friends and anyone who wishes, to reflect and remember the sacrifice made by the men and women of Shropshire”

A virtual copy of the Roll of Honour is also available on line as part of a partnership with Shropshire Archives
at: http://www.shropshireremembers.org.uk/further-research/roll-of-honour/