A NEW memorial to Tatsfield's war dead could be erected in the village.
District councillor Bob David has told the Mirror that he wants residents' opinions on the placing of a war memorial.
Mr David said: "It would be a chance to celebrate the lives of the men who have fallen and gave their lives for us."
Plaques already display the names of those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars in St Mary's Church, Ricketts Hill Road.
Among them was Francis Henry Leslie Bonwick, who died aged just 19 when the Navy ship on which he was serving was torpedoed in 1943.
His brother, Ted Bonwick, told the Mirror: "I remember my family receiving a telegram saying what had happened, and we prayed that he was all right.
"His body was never found and I think a memorial is a way of remembering him."
Ted, now 80, said he was travelling from Bournemouth on Remembrance Sunday when he realised many villages had war memorials, but that Tatsfield did not. "The village lost 30 people, and that's a lot for such a small village," he said.
"It would be something not only to remember the fallen men by, but also a place for us to show our respect for them."
Residents have written into the Tatsfield Parish Magazine to express their views on the possibility of a war memorial.
Phil Clark, of Westmore Road, wrote: "I believe it would be a fitting means to remember the members of this community who have given their lives for this country. There are war graves at St Mary's that are untended, so perhaps a memorial in the village would ensure these men are not forgotten."
Tony Watson, of Paynesfield Road, said: "How can we not extend the plaques to honour those Tatsfield residents who made the ultimate sacrifice?
"What we owe those poor men cannot be measured. It's the very least we can do."
Mr David said that he thought the majority of Tatsfield residents would like to see a memorial in the village, adding: "It would be nice to celebrate our fallen heroes with a monument that could be around for years to come."
He is asking residents to keep getting in touch to give him feedback and views: "We really want to know that the community wants this, I want to make sure that we make the right decision.
"It is very early days, and if the village decides they want it then we will have to look closely at funding and where to put it."
Mr David can be contacted on 01959 577357.
