A one-of-a-kind memorial to a town’s war fallen is set to be unveiled tomorrow.

The Pebble Memorial in Saltash came about after local people became aware that 44 men’s names were missing from the existing First World War memorials at the town’s churches.

The Saltash Great War Committee, a group set up to plan and organise events to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1914-18 war, decided the situation must be rectified.

‘Coincidentally, at around the same time, a local young lady named Krystal painted a pebble and left it on my doorstep,’ said Sue Hooper, who chairs the committee.

‘Here was our inspiration. I took the pebble to the committee with an idea, and consequently this led to asking children and members of the community to paint 140 pebbles in honour of each of Saltash’s First World War dead. Each of the 140 pebbles would have a name of a soldiers engraved upon it.’

Committee members Steph Carter and Lynn Marsh put out appeals and the people of Saltash and surrounds got to work. Painted pebbles were received from school children, the local children’s clubs and organisations, individuals, residents of residential homes and art classes.

On November 18 2018, 140 children were invited to lay the pebbles in the Saltash Memorial Peace Garden. These were indexed by Tony and Lynn Marsh, and further painted pebbles were circulated in the town - but the committee began to realise that a more lasting reminder would be fitting.

‘We sought permission from Saltash Town Council for a permanent patch in the Memorial Peace Garden for the pebbles to rest,’ said Sue.

The Council not only agreed, but also decided that the memorial would become an official part of all civic remembrance services from now on.

An encased map at the garden will explain how each pebble relates to the soldier it represents.

‘We believe that this special memorial, for the Saltash fallen of World War One is the only memorial of its kind in the country and beyond, and makes our tribute unique,’ said Sue.

‘We are indebted to Saltash Town Council for its support and acknowledgement.’

The dedication ceremony for the Pebble Memorial is set to take place at 2.30pm tomorrow.