After the fall of France Czechoslovak forces came to Cheshire and were stationed at Cholmondeley Park in summer 1940. From 6th July 1940 they began arriving in Cheshire, and they were organised and equipped to continue fighting with the Allies. Many of the Czechoslovak veterans retain vivid and fond memories of their time in Cheshire, and of the warm welcome they were given by the people of Cheshire, with whom many of them established life-a long friendship.
In gratitude to the people of Cheshire a memorial stone in local stone, was given by the Assocation of Czechoslovak Legionaries. It was unveiled at Chester Cathedral on 6 July 1980, to mark the 40th anniversary of the Czechoslovaks arrival in Cheshire. The official unveiling was performed by Sir William Barker, former British Ambassador to Czechoslovakia. It was dedicated by the Dean of Chester, the Very Reverend Ingram Cleasby and by Reverend John Lang of the Society of Jesus.
The stone reads:
"To the memory of Czechoslovak soldiers and airmen who fought with the Allies
and sacrificed their lives during the 1939-1945 war."
A metal plaque below reads:
"This memorial was given by the Association of Czechoslovak Legionaries 6 July
1980.
Chester Cathedral website:
http://www.chestercathedral.com/
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