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Sittingbourne British Legion chairman appealing for help housing plaque

A bronze plaque commemorating workers from the old Bowater Mill who died during the Second World War needs a new home.

Steffan Jordan, chairman of the Sittingbourne and Milton Regis branch of the Royal British Legion, is leading the campaign to get it rehoused after it was rescued from the former Kemsley Arms pub.

He is also keen to find out more about the 91 casualties listed.

Mr Jordan said: “This is an absolutely beautiful bronze plaque and I am delighted we have had the foresight to rescue it from what would have been a great loss to the families of those listed and the people of Sittingbourne and surrounding districts.

Abdool Kara, Swale council's chief executive officer, and Steffan Jordan, chairman of the Sittingbourne and Milton Regis branch of the Royal British Legion
Abdool Kara, Swale council's chief executive officer, and Steffan Jordan, chairman of the Sittingbourne and Milton Regis branch of the Royal British Legion

“We are now looking to find the stories of those people who are listed on the plaque and would love to hear from some of the families who may know how these gallant Bowater staff members lost their lives.”

Mr Jordan is specifically asking for answers to the following questions: where they were living when they worked for the mill; which service they enlisted with; their regiment, ship and service number plus the rank they obtained.

Swale council is looking after the memorial, which measures almost 4ft by 3ft and weighs over 100 kilos.

It can be viewed outside the main chamber at Swale House in the town’s East Street.

Mr Jordan said: “The next question is where to permanently house it.

“We have already had approaches from interested parties and we are considering every option. These include returning it to the current mill, now owned by DS Smith, Kemsley Community Hall or even a local church.

“If anyone has any other ideas we would also be delighted to hear from them.”

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