First World War

1914-1918

The First World War brought change and loss to the Hedge End community. Men from the parish enlisted and served on the Western Front and other theatres of the conflict. Some did not return, and their names are recorded on the war memorial at St John's Church. The war also brought increased demand for food production, and the farms around Hedge End contributed to the national effort to feed the population during the years of submarine blockade and restricted imports. The community, though small, was deeply affected by the conflict.