Memorial planned for Cromer soldiers

Richard BatsonA new memorial is being planned at Cromer for two local soldiers who died in post second world war conflicts.The names of Stephen Bolger, 30, who died in the Afghanistan war last year, and 19-year-old Anthony Warnes, who was killed in the Mau Mau revolt in Kenya in 1954 as a result of a 'friendly fire' tragedy, should be officially recognised in time for this year's Remembrance Service.Richard Batson

A new memorial is being planned at Cromer for two local soldiers who died in post second world war conflicts.

The names of Stephen Bolger, 30, who died in the Afghanistan war last year, and 19-year-old Anthony Warnes, who was killed in the Mau Mau revolt in Kenya in 1954 as a result of a 'friendly fire' tragedy, should be officially recognised in time for this year's Remembrance Service.

Town councillors are looking at putting a plaque inside the church lounge at the bottom of the bell tower.

Designs are now being discussed with church authorities, who will need to give a 'faculty' permission for the work, which could take three months to approve, councillors were told this week.

Cpl Bolger's funeral with full military honours was held in the packed church last year. He died in an explosion in Helmand Province while serving with the Parachute Regiment supporting special forces troops in May.

Mr Warnes was a second lieutenant in the Royal Engineers when he was killed after being mistaken for terrorists just a week after arriving in Africa on National Service.

The council will also discussing the memorial details with the families, but are keen to contact Mr Warnes' relatives, who should phone 01263 512254.