A large bronze plaque commemorating 91 staff of Bowater’s Kemsley Paper Mill who died in the Second World War has been unveiled in its new home.

The memorial board has been installed at Holy Trinity church, Milton Regis.

The Bishop of Dover the Rt Rev Trevor Willmott officially blessed the Kemsley plaque at a special service attended by members of the Royal British Legion on Wednesday, March 29.

It was previously kept in the Kemsley Arms pub but was rescued by the Sittingbourne and Milton Regis branch of the Royal British Legion when the hostelry was earmarked for redevelopment.

For the past two years it has been on temporary show outside the Swale council chamber at Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne. The plaque measures almost 4ft by 3ft, and weighs more than 100 kilos.

Steff Jordan, chairman of the Legion’s Sittingbourne and Milton Regis branch, said it was important to remember the sacrifice that people had made during the war.

“The Legion is, and always will be, dedicated to the welfare of our ex-military servicemen and women,” he added.

“The Kemsley plaque reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice that the 91 people of this town gave so that we may live in the free and democratic society that we all enjoy today.”

The Rev George Rogers, vicar of Holy Trinity, said he was delighted the plaque had a new home in the church, adding: “We are very privileged to honour those from Kemsley who fell in the Second World War.

“May their sacrifice for our present be a constant reminder and encouragement to us.”