In 2014 St. Michael’s embarked on a project to identify and study the lives of the individuals whose names appear on the various war memorials associated with the church. From the 128 names inscribed on the war memorials at St Michael and All Angel’s church, Bedford Park, David Beresford, a member of the congregation, researched the 117 individuals that could be identified from existing public records.
Using original parish documents, contemporaneous news items, national databases and other archives, David pieced together the stories behind their names, learned how their war was fought and how their families and the community were affected.
By recreating the personal stories and developing educational presentations, its aim was to create for both adults and children a lasting reminder the human impact of WWI on a local Chiswick parish.