- Stourbridge Road
- Catshill
- Worcester
- Worcestershire
- B61 9LH
Uncovering Parish History: Lt.-Col. Reginald Keble Morcom & The 1927 War Memorial Unveiling
At Christ Church, Catshill, we are privileged to hold a rich archive of original photographs documenting significant moments in our community's history. Recently, an intriguing photograph from our collection - taken on Sunday, 2nd October 1927 during the official unveiling and dedication of the Catshill War Memorial - led us on a journey of discovery to identify the individuals in the image and explore their lasting connection to our church.
The photograph & the 1927 Unveiling
On that autumn afternoon in 1927, thousands gathered in Catshill as Major-General Sir Douglas Cayley (CB, CMG) unveiled the parish war memorial in the presence of civic leaders, local clergy, ex-servicemen, and parish residents.
Pictured here with veterans outside Christ Church - Reverend David T.L. Stewart (Vicar of Christ Church, 1925-1933)
Serving as the vicar of Christ Church during the 1927 unveiling, Rev. Stewart was a central figure in parish life throughout the interwar years. He helped shepherd the church community during this important period of remembrance and played a key role in welcoming local dignitaries and ex-servicemen.
Among the original parish photographs capturing the day is a striking portrait of two World War I veterans:
On the left: A British military officer in full WWI Service Dress uniform, wearing an officer's peak cap, Sam Browne belt, and a trio of campaign medals.
On the right: A gentleman in civilian dress, also proudly displaying his campaign medals and a ceremonial floral lapel pin.
Who Was Reginald Keble Morcom?
A careful study of the photograph and comparison with surviving family archives points towards Lieutenant-Colonel Reginald Keble Morcom (1877 - 1961) as the officer on the left.
Distinguished service: During the First World War, Morcom served overseas as an officer with the Royal Engineers in Salonika (the Balkan Front). For his meritorious leadership and technical engineering service, he was mentioned in Despatches twice and appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1919.
Local prominence: In civilian life, Colonel Morcom was a distinguished engineer and industrialist, serving as director of Belliss & Morcom Ltd. in Birmingham, a director of LLoyds Bank, and Vice-President of the Federation of British Industries. He resided nearby at The Clock House in Fockbury.
(Matching the details) The cap badge on the officer's peak cap matches the Corps of Royal Engineers emblem. Furthermore, the three campaign medals worn on his breast - the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal (affectionately known as "Pip, Squeak, and Wilfred") - align precisely with Lt.Col. Morcom's wartime service record.
A Lasting Legacy and a Touch of Defiance at Christ Church
The Morcom family shares a deep, poignant, and sometimes idiosyncratic history with Christ Church:
The Memorial Window: Tragically, in February 1930, Reginald Morcom's young son, Christopher Morcom - a brilliant student and close childhood friend and intellectual companion of codebreaker Alan Turing - passed away suddenly at the age of 18. In his memory, the Morcom family gifted the beautiful stained-glass window that continues to adorn our church today.
The Morcom Family Grave: Following a lifetime of service, Lt.Col. Reginald Keble Morcom was laid to rest at Christ Church, Catshill, alongside his family. The family plot itself tells a unique story: it is designed as a stone platform that notably lacks a central feature. Local lore and family history recall that when Morcom's wife (Frances Isobel Morcom nee Swan) passed away, he wished to install a striking statue as the centrepiece of the grave. When permission was refused, Morcom - true to his uncompromising and independent character - left the centre permanently bare in an act of quiet defiance.
Preserving Our Heritage
Photographs and physical monuments like those held in our churchyard and parish collection offer a vital bridge to our past. They remind us not only of the solemn sacrifices rembered at the Catshill War Memorial, but also of the remarkable, strong-minded individuals who shaped our local community.
Do you have memories, family photographs, or historial details relating to Christ Church, Catshill, or the local war memorial? We would love to hear from you! Please contact the parish pa.bromsgroveparish@gmail.com to share your stories.