The Cross of Sacrifice War Memorial stands in the churchyard of Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield, West Sussex. Around the octagonal base are inscribed the names of the soldiers from the town who died while serving their country in the Great War of 1914 - 1918.

Until now, very little has been known about the men, their families, where they lived and went to school, where they worked and what social life they enjoyed before enlisting into the army.

Using her knowledge of researching family and social history, the author has discovered this information and to it has added the Regiment each man joined, where he enlisted, his rank and Service Number, along with the letters he sent home describing the conditions endured and the injuries suffered.

There were times of great pride when many of the Cuckfield men were promoted or gained awards for bravery and leadership. This bravery is also described in the letters sent by the Chaplains to loved ones at home upon the death of their son or father. References to the position of each grave or memorial at home or abroad are given which will help those who may wish to visit the site.

There was great rejoicing when the men returned home, and the guest lists of all those who attended the welcome home dinners and entertainment will enable everyone to check if they had relatives of friends living in Cuckfield and the surrounding areas at that time.

Those who returned home badly injured are not forgotten and are also listed in the book.
But this book is not just about the men who died. It describes life in Cuckfield and the surrounding area at this time, the valuable part that the women played in the war effort and the many Memorial Services held in the churches.

It is hoped that many people will be able to connect with the numerous names and places mentioned and that the sources of reference given will be of help to anyone who may like to carry out similar research in a place of particular interest to them.

Thousands of names are listed on memorials around the country, but this should not be their only legacy. Each man should never be forgotten and should be more than just a name carved in stone.