The War Memorial was unveiled by Rear-Admiral Sir E.P.F.G. Grant KCVO, CB on Wednesday 26th November 1924. Those who gave their lives during the Second World War (1939-1945) were added to the memorial in 1993. Second and third portions were placed 1995 and 1996 respectively and in 2009 a further inscription was added in memory of Private Richard John Smith from Hedge End.
This followed an article in the Gazette, where it came to light that Private Smith, of the Pioneer Corps, lost his life during the Second World War. He died of his war wounds on 27th October 1943, aged 36.
Hedge End Town Council consulted the War Graves Commission and concluded that he died on active service, so his name was fully entitled to be commemorated on the Hedge End War Memorial.
A commemorative slab bearing Private Smith's name was prepared and installed in time for the Remembrance Service in 2009.
