Local Military History
Like many communities in the UK, Rowlands Castle has played its part in the military conflicts of the past. The Village War Memorial provides a record of the fallen from both World Wars.
The Village was particularly important during World War 2 as it was close to embarkation points for the cross-channel crossing to France. There were railway sidings which allowed soldiers and tanks to detrain and then take cover in the extensive forests of the Stansted Estate. It was because of the troops’ presence that King George VI took a salute in Manor Lodge Road, which has subsequently been celebrated by the modest monument called ‘The King’s Stone’.
A more recent conflict, the Falklands War, is recalled by residents who were involved in the military operations in the South Atlantic.