Memorial plaques have been unveiled in an Oxfordshire village to honour soldiers from two local families who were killed in the First World War.

 

The two metal plaques were donated by housebuilder, Bellway’s and installed next to recently planted trees at their new development Shepherds Walk in North Leigh.

 

Robert Gough and Albert Breakspear were among 18 soldiers from the parish to be killed in the war.

 

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Two streets at the development, Gough Close and Breakspear Way, have been named after the men in honour of the families.

 

Bicester Advertiser: The Breakspear family stood behind the road sign named after their family members who died in the World Wars, including Bob Breakspear, Trish Turner, Jean Mutch, Julie Winney and John WinneyThe Breakspear family stood behind the road sign named after their family members who died in the World Wars, including Bob Breakspear, Trish Turner, Jean Mutch, Julie Winney and John Winney

 

Relatives from both families were present to help install the plaques at the ceremony, which was organised by North Leigh Parish Council.

 

Resident Harry St John, a councillor on West Oxfordshire District Council and North Leigh Parish Council, said: “The story of how two families from this village sent 15 young men to the First World War and saw only eight come home is as tragic as anything the scriptwriters of Saving Private Ryan could imagine.

 

“It was very fitting that members of both families were here to help with the installation of the memorial plaques.

 

“We hope the plaques will serve as reminder for a very long time of the incredible story of young men who gave their lives so we can live in a better world. We are grateful to Bellway for helping to make sure these men and their families are not forgotten.”

 

Bicester Advertiser: The Breakspear family stood next to their plaque at shepherds Walk, with Bellway site manager, Merrick Clarke and Bellway Contracts Manager, Alex Lacey.The Breakspear family stood next to their plaque at shepherds Walk, with Bellway site manager, Merrick Clarke and Bellway Contracts Manager, Alex Lacey.

 

Ben Smith, Managing Director of Bellway South Midlands, said: “We are proud that two of the streets at our development carry the names of the local families who suffered the greatest losses during the conflict.

 

“When Councillor St John got in touch to ask us if we would provide plaques to commemorate the lives of all 25 men from the village who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars we didn’t hesitate to agree.

 

“We hope the plaques and the street names help keep the memory alive of the courage and sacrifice of these men and their families.”

 

The housebuilder is providing the parish council with plaques to commemorate the lives of every one of the 18 local men who lost their lives in the First World War and the seven soldiers who were killed in the Second World War.

 

The remaining plaques will be erected at Shepherds Walk next to trees due to be planted later this winter.

 

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