In 1914 Milford-on-Sea was a small seaside village of some 2,000 souls. It had been promoted as a coastal resort with some success and under the initiatives of Colonel William Cornwallis-West, the Agar Family, Dr Bruce and the Vicars of the parish it was in the process of change.

People were encouraged to support the war effort - be it children knitting scarves for soldiers, women making medical supplies, cottagers growing food or men enlisting. It was apparantly done effectively and without fuss. Over the war years Milford absorbed Indians, Londoners and New Zealanders with varying degrees of comfort. Personal liberty was restricted and families suffered the loss of loved ones. Despite all this the village was rightly proud of its efforts and valued highly the sacrifice of those who died.

Through the creation of two war memorial shrines and later the dedication of the Memorial Cottage Hospital, the village was determined not to forget those who participated in 'The War to end all Wars'.