Lives of the First World War

In 1967 work proceeded on an inner relief road through Rawtenstall which was to be called St Mary's Way. Part of the works involved a significant cutting adjacent to the Unitarian Church and this subsequently weakened the foundations. In July 1968 the church had to be closed and demolition soon followed. A new church was built on the site which held its first service on 25th September 1971. The Unitarian War Memorial bearing Walter McDermott's name stands in it’s original location .

Walter McDermott is also named on this memorial which reads “In Honoured Memory of the Men of this Church and Sunday School who fell in the Great War 1914 – 1918. LET US SO LIVE THAT THEY”

Walter McDermott is also commemorated on this memorial. The memorial, now listed as an historic monument, was erected at the instigation of Carrie Whitehead J.P. in September 1915 and is recognised as the first community World War One Memorial to be erected in this country. It was given "Grade II Listed Building" status in August 1999. The dedication reads “The War Memorial 1914 - 1919 Rawtenstall Cemetery Roll of Honour This cross was erected by Carrie Whitehead, September 1915 that it might be some comfort to those who lost men very dear to them In grateful memory of the men of Rawtenstall who gave their lives for their country in the Great War 1914 - 1918 He will swallow up death in victory, and the Lord will wipe away tears from all faces. Is. XXV. 8".

Walter McDermott was on the strength of the 8th Battalion at the time of his death.

As awarded to Walter McDermott

Page 51 of the “Rawtenstall Unitarian Church Jubilee Bazaar” booklet of October 1903 listed 34 of “The Young Men” of the Church. Four of those named on the list died in the Great War and are commemorated on the War Memorial.

Page 51 of the “Rawtenstall Unitarian Church Jubilee Bazaar” booklet of October 1903 naming Walter McDermott