The brethren of Unity Lodge 4841 (Derbyshire’s Railway Lodge) were tasked with organising a memorial service at the Railway Memorial on Midland Road Derby and proceeded to do so.
The Memorial was designed by Sir Edward Lutyens and Built in 1921 of Portland Stone. The memorial was paid for by the Midland Railway who in the first World War (despite railway workers being exempt from war service) released 23000 employees to the armed forces. Of the 23000 released there were 2833 killed and 7000 wounded.
This was the first time that any one could remember a Memorial Service being held at the Midland Road Memorial which lists by name the 2833 who were killed.
The Provincial Grand Master of Derbyshire Arthur Steven Varley and 30 Brethren attended. The Mayor of Derby Councillor John Whitby also attended, along with two Standards from the Derbyshire Submarine Association and the Grenadier Guards Association. The Bugler was Natasha Ferrary a Royal British Legion Rider and ex Royal Navy. John Wood assisted as Parade Marshall and delivered the Exhortation and Kohima Grace.
Wreaths were laid by The Mayor and The Master of Unity Lodge 4841 Angus John Radford.
After the service the Hallmark Midland Hotel provided complimentary tea/coffee and mince pies.
