War memorial unveiling a success at Hove

The plaque carries the names of the ten Sussex cricketers and the club secretary who paid the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives during active service in the First and Second World Wars.

Jim May, chairman of Sussex County Cricket Club, introduced the ceremony in front of a sizeable crowd at Hove that had gathered to watch the unveiling to remember the fallen Sussex cricketers. The crowd included many local dignitaries, several former players, ECB executives and the Royal Sussex Regiment Standard Bearers.

The plaque was officially unveiled by Peter Field, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, and there was a blessing by Father Philip Ritchie of the All Saints Church in Hove. A minute’s silence was also observed during the lunch interval and the ceremony finished with the traditional playing of the national anthem.

One of the fallen cricketers, Major Kenneth Scott, MC, who lost his life in the Second World War in Syracuse, Sicily, was afforded a special mention. Former Corporal Alf Hunt, of Tunbridge Wells, aged 94, made a special visit to Hove for the day to pay tribute to his former colleague who died next to him in the battlefield.

May said “This was a very appropriate tribute to those eleven young men who gave their lives in the service of their country. We are all pleased that there is a permanent memorial at Hove to record their sacrifice.”