Four years ago, a parishioner weeding the gardens of Christ Church in Gravesend stumbled across a stone slab buried in the ground.

Further digging revealed that it was a memorial to those who lost their lives in the First World War which had been placed in the original church half a mile away in 1922.

After falling into disrepair, this original place of worship collapsed in 1932 and a new church was built in Echo Square which opened three years later.

How the memorial came to be in the grounds of the current church is unknown but what was clear is that the gardener had unearthed a mystery.

The plaque was badly chipped and the names of the 60 men who perished had eroded.

But after much research their identities were tracked down and recorded in a written transcript .

The vicar, the Rev Sue Brewer, said: “We thought it would be such a shame if these brave men were not remembered, so it was decided to have a new plaque made.”

On Sunday, the Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev James Langstaff, held a commemorative service to bless the new memorial in the side chapel.

Among the congregation were relatives who had lost their loved ones in the bloody conflict.

The blessing was part of a “Peace and Reconciliation” weekend which also included World War One-themed displays from the Gravesend Arts Society and Gravesend Floral Arrangement Society.

Mrs Brewer said: “A lot of work and thought has gone into this. It is wonderful that we are still able to remember and honour those who sacrificed their lives.

“We have found 12 of those who died lived in the same road, Peppercroft Street, which no longer exists.”

Another was Edward Reed, an acting sergeant major and father of four who received the Military Medal. He was killed in action on May 3, 1917, aged 30.