YOU may have seen recent articles in Looking Back which have mentioned the German war memorial in Fordington, Dorchester.

This memorial pays tribute to the German prisoners of war who were held in a prisoner of war camp in the county town during the Great War.

Thanks to Brian Bates, author of Dorchester's Great War Prison Camp, for telling us more about an exciting development which has taken place with this memorial.

This memorial, located in Fordington St George’s cemetery, has just been recognised as a building of great architectural or historical interest, by being given Listed Grade 2 status by English History.

Reasons for this special status include the fact that it said to be 'an extremely rare example' of a German memorial to prisoners of war and that it is also 'a sombre testament to German POWs who lost their lives far from home, and a tangible reminder of the manner in which Dorchester residents came to terms with the adversary in their midst, laying them to rest with care and dignity.'

The memorial was designed by K Bartolmay, one of the prisoners, in 1919 and commemorates the 45 men who died in Dorchester’s POW camp.

After the First World War the Mill Street Mission ensured that a wreath was laid each Remembrance Day, usually by the 5th Dorchester (Mill Street Mission) Scout Group, and a ceremony continues today.

The bodies of the dead, which were buried in front of the memorial, were moved to Cannock Chase in the 1960s.

More information on the memorial can be found in Brian Bates’ book, “Living with the Enemy – Dorchester’s Great War Camp, available from the author at brianbates@trayfoot.co.uk, telephone 01305 263824, or from the usual local outlets.