the Great War Memorial
They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
Those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in two World Wars are commemorated on memorials in the North Aisle of the church.
They include a memorial to the parishioners of St Mary’s and Christchurch who lost their lives in the 1914-18 war; the 79 officers and 946 men of South Wales Borderers 24th Regiment and Monmouthshire Regiment who died during 939-45; and all those who lost their lives at sea. There is also a small brass memorial to the men of the staff of Pen y Fal Hospital who died during the Great War. This was removed from Pen y Fal when the facility was converted into apartments and was dedicated at St Mary’s on Palm Sunday 1998.
Regimantal Flags
Various regimental flags have been laid up in the church, again on the North Aisle, and a poignant service takes place each year on Remembrance Sunday during which crosses of red Flanders poppies are laid in tribute to those who ‘gave their tomorrows for our todays’.
East Window
Perhaps the most remarkable memorial to a solider of the First World War is the magnificent East Window through which light pours on to the High Altar. The fine stained glass was given by Mrs Randle Barker in memory of her husband, Brigadier Barker, who was killed in action during the war. It is an extraordinary window in so many ways, depicting the Virgin and Child, St Michael the Archangel, St Christopher and the infant Jesus; St Martin of Tours, St Patrick, St George, St Sebastian and three Old Testament prophets. The lower portion of the window shows the Annunciation displayed either side of a lily crucifix. Also to be seen are the crests of the Province of Canterbury and the Diocese of Landaff.
There is also a Book of Remembrance which lists the anniversary of the deaths of parishioners and those who were connected with the church.