VILLAGERS in North Bradley commemorated a soldier who was killed in the battles of Gallipoli by fixing his name to a special cenotaph-styled monument located at the Baptist church this week.

John Roberts, who originally came from North Bradley, was just 21 years old when he was killed on May 6, 1915 and villagers decided it would be fitting tribute to mark the lives of all 30 residents who gave their lives during the 1914-18 war.

The monument was put up in November last year and a poppy engraved with every soldier’s name will be fixed to the plinth as the 100th anniversary of their death passes until 2018.

Cllr Horace Prickett who fixed Mr Roberts’ plaque onto the memorial said: “I think it is absolutely vital that we do not forget those who have given us what we have today. You see how innocent and young they are and in reality they shouldn’t have had to go.

“The cenotaph will be here for four years and it is nice to see each of the men remembered as the date of their death passes.”

The project has involved the entire community in sourcing the relevant materials and the planks were donated by local business Tony Deacon fencing.

Deputy chair of North Bradley parish council, Lee Lee said she has been able to trace some of the family members since starting the project and many will be attending a musical commemorative event on May 9 at St Nicholas’ church from 6.30-8pm.

Mrs Lee added: “I think it shows that we remember the people who died and although you see the names in church, it is very easy to walk past and quietly appreciate them. But with this, it makes you really reflect on the 1914-18 war and makes you remember them a lot more.”