Some of the many Canadian war graves in the autumn sunshine.

History

During both the First and Second World Wars many thousands of Canadian servicemen were encamped around the Bramshott common area. Mainly due to the 1918/19 ‘spanish flu’ pandemic, 318 Canadians were buried in Bramshott Churchyard. The graves are maintained by the War Graves Commission.  The Canadian Memorial was dedicated on 24th April 1921

During the 1920s/1930s the Liphook Women’s Own under the leadership of Mrs Bleach looked after the graves and put one posy on each grave on Canada Day (1st July). Between 1942 – 2003 there was a memorial service at St Mary’s, Bramshott on the Sunday closest to 1st July. The Memorial service was attended by representatives of the Canadian High Commission, Canadian Veterans Association, local Royal British Legion and members of the local community.

Present Day 

To ensure that, as the number of veterans declines,  the connection between the Canadian Armed forces and the local community is continued, from 2004 onwards there has been a Canada Wednesday service at Bramshott  with Year 4 from Liphook Junior (C of E) School. The memorial service is still attended by representatives of the Canadian High Commission and Canadian Veterans.