| Devlin, Ontario
The Devlin Cenotaph was erected in 1919 in memory of those who served in World War I. At a later date the Cenotaph was rededicated to those who served in World War II.
The History of the Devlin Cenotaph
On July 10, 1918, the women of the Devlin Women's Institute decided to build a monument in honour of the Devlin men who had died in the Great War of 1914-18. In 1919 a block of cement was formed on the big rock by the Devlin Hall, a bronze plaque engraved with the names of the fallen inserted, and a flag pole was erected at the site. After this monument was erected, the Women's Institute members held annual meetings on the rock. Songs, music, speeches, recitations were had, concluded by the Last Post. The following is an exact copy of the inscription and names.
In loving memory of our
Boys in Khaki.
They died that others
might live.
1914
Pte. Geo. Carter
Pte. C. Ferguson
Corp. T. Fraser
Pte. A.W. Lennox
Lieut. A.P. Milk |
1918
Pte. R.F. Sexsmith
Pte. M. Sexsmith
Pte. W.L. Smith
Pte. T. Steele
Pte. E.J. Tribe |
Erected by the Devlin
Women's Institute
1919
During World War II, the original cenotaph had deteriorated beyond redemption; the bronze plaque was then removed and stored in the Devlin United Church.
Following World War II, a new Cenotaph was constructed on municipal property in the center of the Village of Devlin, where it sits today. The original plaque and a new plaque bearing the names of the eleven brave souls that gave their lives in World War II were mounted on the new Monument.
IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO
SERVED THEIR COUNTRY DURING
WORLD WAR II
Tpr. I.A. Cheval
P/O R.B. Gunderson
Pte. F.C. Jeffrey
Pte. J.J. Kennedy
Pte. C.A. Larson |
Sgt. J.L. Lloyd
Sgt. J. Mahon
P/O D.A. McFayden
Rfn. F. W. McRitchie
Tpr. B.F. Rissman |
A/Smn. A.J. Smith
"LEST WE FORGET"
In 1997, the Cenotaph was completely refurbished by the Township of La Vallee and a third plaque, bearing the image of a soldier and the words "LEST WE FORGET", was added to the front side of the Monument.
This Cenotaph, first constructed by the women of Devlin and eventually taken over by the Township, is a symbol of community pride.
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