Forget me Not Wreaths

Strange Cargo undertook extensive research using the Lives of the First World War and Commonwealth War Graves Commission websites, along with visits to the Imperial War Museum and local exhibitions, to create the "Forget Me Not" program. Funded by the Heritage Lottery, this project honored the sacrifices of local servicemen and women from Cheriton during the Great War.

Our research identified the names, regiments, and details of Cheriton’s fallen servicemen listed on local WWI memorials. We uncovered the significance of Cheriton Halt Station, a key transit point for soldiers from Shorncliffe Camp, and collaborated with local historians to paint a fuller picture of life in Cheriton during WWI.

Historian Annie Bamford's findings on the home addresses of fallen soldiers allowed us to involve the community in a unique way. We invited 100 households to display wreaths at the homes of these servicemen during the Armistice Centenary weekend, creating a poignant town-wide memorial. For those whose addresses we couldn’t locate, wreaths were displayed at Cheriton Road Cemetery. In total, 182 named wreaths honored these soldiers, with locations shared on social media to encourage visitors to pay their respects.

We extend our gratitude to the Arts Council, Folkestone Town Council, Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Eurotunnel, and supportive councilors for making this project possible.