The name of Witney’s only female WWI casualty will be added to the town’s memorial following a request from local historian Jeff Clements.
Although Lucy Harris was listed in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records, she was buried in Cogges Churchyard with no headstone and was not recorded on either the town centre War Memorial or the plaque inside Cogges church.
As custodians of the War Memorial on Church Green, Witney Town Council considered the request and agreed to have her name added in the single remaining space there.
Lucy enlisted in the WRAF in October 1918 but sadly died of influenza in London just 2 weeks later.
Cllr Vicky Gwatkin, Chair of the Halls and Green Spaces Committee, that considered the request commented;
“Adding Lucy’s name to Witney’s War memorial allows us to pay tribute to her as an individual and serves as a poignant reminder to current and future generations of the efforts and sacrifices made by women from communities just like ours during periods of conflict. It is a privilege to be able to support Jeff’s work and our thanks to him and Councillor Mel Jones for bringing Lucy Harris to our attention.”
Lucy’s name is scheduled to be added in March next year.
Mr Clements contacted the Town Council this week to say that he is delighted that Lucy would finally get the recognition she deserves.
