Page 19 - Moreton Village Only Book

Moreton Village Only 19

The outbreak of the Great War was
probably greeted with that confident yet
totally false conviction that “it would all
be over by Christmas”. It was not. There
is little specific information about life in
the village during the four years of what
was one of the most savage conflicts in
world history and we do not know how
many sons of Moreton answered the call
to serve their country at that time. We do
know, however, that amongst those who
did serve, six did not return and their
names are proudly engraved on the
Moreton war memorial:

A. Howes - Ox. and Bucks Light Infantry
R. Cross - Ox. and Bucks Light Infantry
F. Cross - Ox. and Bucks Light Infantry
A. Cross - D.L.V. Regiment
R. Pullen - Rifle Brigade
R. Farnborough - Queens Own Ox. Hussars

The tragedy of one family suffering the loss of three of its members is indeed difficult
to contemplate.
The Moreton war memorial was unveiled in 1920, just two years after the end of
the Great War. It is interesting to note that at that time the people of Thame were still
arguing about their memorial which followed some time later! The moral is of course
that when necessary, Moreton people close ranks and unite, agree a course of action
and quickly get things done without undue fuss.

In the early years of the century (no specific dates are known) there was an outbreak
of smallpox in the village. At least one person was known to have died and several
others disfigured. The unfortunate victims were taken by horse ambulance – known
as the pest cart – to the Windmill House in Thame.

Dedication of the War Memorial in 1920.