Plans had been made at Easter 1917 for an altar as a memorial to those who fell in the First World War. It was paid for mainly by the families of casualties and was made of wood similar to that used for Army huts. It was placed near the door at the west end of St Mary’s church, and the Bishop of Winchester, who had lost a son in the war, came to hold a Service of Benediction on 13 December 1917. The church was filled with relatives and friends of the fallen.

The processional cross still in use at St Mary’s Church is inscribed “In memory of our dear departed”. It was dedicated at the evening service on Passion Sunday 1918. Delivery had been delayed because the manufacturer was doing work for the Ministry of Munitions.

On 9 November 1919 an oaken tablet inscribed with the names of the fallen in gilt was dedicated by Rev FG Lacey, curate-in-charge. It was hung on the wall above the memorial altar and it had been made by Mr Ward of Ash and cost about £30. The original tablet has now been replaced by the current illuminated framed vellum War Memorial commemorating the fallen of both world wars.