This memorial is dedicated to the local fallen soldiers in the First World War. It was erected by the citizens of Clifford. After the Second World War, two more names were added of those lost in that war.
The creation of Memorial Park and the Clifford Cenotaph was led by the Village Council and funded by an addition to the year’s property tax rate. The cenotaph, placed at the southeast edge of the park, was carved from Stanstead Grey granite from Quebec. The names of the fallen are set in raised lead.
Because Clifford lies on the border of two counties (Wellington and Huron), its citizens wanted the memorial to honour local war heroes without regard for municipal boundaries. Of the seven First World War soldiers honoured on the cenotaph, several are on the Minto Township Cenotaph in Harriston, others are on the Fordwich Cenotaph (Howick Township, Huron County), and one name – Private Douglas Bates – appears on all three memorials.
The cenotaph was restored in 2011, a project led by Stuart Douglas and the Rotary Club.
