‘Work of art’: More than a century after WWI, Dutton-Dunwich finally has a cenotaph

Dutton-Dunwich has its first cenotaph after years of campaigning and fundraising by a local historian, CTV London's Brent Lale checked it out.

A project years in the making has finally been completed.

Amateur historian Blair Ferguson had a dream to bring a cenotaph to the small community of Dutton-Dunwich. On Saturday, the granite monument was installed.

“It’s an incredible one-of-a-kind work of art,” said Ferguson.

“It recognizes the men who gave their life for our freedom. We wouldn’t be here today doing what we do if it wasn’t for the men on this monument.”

042625_cenotaph dutton dunwich London war monument Dutton-Dunwich has its first cenotaph after years of campaigning and fundraising by historian Blair Ferguson (Brent Lale/CTV News London)

Ferguson spearheaded a $150,000 campaign which included years of advocacy and asking companies and citizens for funds.

The granite cenotaph features flag poles, lights, benches and a soldier’s helmet resting on a cross.

It will be the future home of all Remembrance Day ceremonies which had previously been held indoors at the municipal office.

“Dutton has a long history of service to country,” said Mike Hentz, mayor of Dutton-Dunwich.

042625_cenotaph dutton dunwich London war monument (L-R) Adin Klaasen (Memorial Restorations Inc), Delany Leitch and Blair Ferguson (cenotaph campaign) and Tom Klaasen (Memorial Restorations Inc.) pose for a photo inside the new cenotaph in Dutton-Dunwich (Brent Lale/CTV News London)

“This cenotaph is long overdue in our community. Thanks to a vision and, dream of Blair Ferguson and Delaney Leitch, made it happen, It will be the gathering point for our Remembrance Day, ceremonies from this fall forward.”

The stonework was done by Fabhaven from Toronto, and the general contractor was Memorial Restorations Inc. from Sarnia.

“I was weeping earlier before you got me on camera standing over there,” said Tom Klaasen, owner of Memorial Restorations Inc.

“It’s absolutely beautiful and it brings a tear to my eye. I love being involved in projects like this.”

042625_cenotaph dutton dunwich London war monument Dutton-Dunwich has its first cenotaph after years of campaigning and fundraising by historian Blair Ferguson (Brent Lale/CTV News London)

For the first time in the communities history, all the names of the soldiers lost in WWI and WWII are displayed.

Until now, a few were recognized on plaques in town hall. The new stone features Wallacetown’s Ellis Sifton, Elgin Counties’ only Victoria Cross Recipient.

“I always say if he was an American, there would be movies made about him,” said Ferguson.

“What he did on Vimy Ridge changed the course of history, and he’s been unrecognized, really, until today. Today is the first day that his name’s on a monument within Canada.”

042625_cenotaph dutton dunwich London war monument A soldier’s helmet rests against a cross on top of the new cenotaph in Dutton-Dunwich, Ont. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)

As the final pieces were put in place, Ferguson reflected on his years of hard work spearheading this campaign.

“Words don’t really describe it,” he said.

“It’s an amazing feeling just to see it done and it’s a work of beauty.”