AN investigation into Knutsford's war memorials has revealed a sad secret which dates back more than 80 years.

A researcher, working for a nationwide survey of war memorials, discovered that the statue outside the Red Cross' Northwich Road HQ was not, after all, a memorial to the fallen of the town.

Instead it was the wealthy Baronian family's poignant personal tribute to their only son John, who died on the battlefields of France in the First World War.

"They were devastated to lose their only son," said historian Joan Leach, who is helping with the project. "So the family made this memorial." For years it stood in the grounds of Brae Cottage in Legh Road.

Then the striking memorial - cast in copper by well-known Knutsford sculptor Hamo Thorneycroft - was moved to the lodge at Booth's Hall.

But when the family connection was lost it was dismantled and rebuilt outside the Cottage Hospital - itself a memorial to the First World War - and young John's inscription disappeared. "It's been adapted as a war memorial for that site for both wars," said Joan.

"But on one side there has been some sort of panel which has been removed. It must have said something about their son."

If Joan can't discover anything locally about John Baronian she plans to write to the War Graves' Commission and the Royal British Legion to find out how and where he died.

She is also seeking more details about the Crosstown war memorial.

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