TUCKED away in a corner of a Milford Haven church, is a unique tribute to some of the local men who died in the First World War.

But the memorial chapel at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church is now under threat from the elements, and needs £15,000 of repairs if it is to be preserved for future generations.

The unassuming chapel contains more than 20 white wooden crosses bearing the names of those who died.

But prolonged damp has caused the plaster on the walls to flake off, and is making the electrics in the room dangerous.

Father Harri Williams says that if the church can raise enough money to replace the guttering and coping stones, the chapel could start be dried out, and work to bring it back to life can begin.

“I’m determined we are going to restore the church back to the way it should be,” said Father Harri.

“We’ve got all this history but until the building is in order we can’t preserve it.”

Among the men remembered in the chapel is Peter William Webber Medway, a Royal Naval Reserves deckhand who died on March 25, 1917, aged 29.

His granddaughter Anne Jenkins said it was vital to remember those who had died.

“A lot of these names are within living memory of local families,” added her husband, Bill.

The couple also has a ceramic commemorative poppy from tower of London, which they would like to house in the chapel, once it has been made safe and dry.

“It seems particularly poignant as we’re at the 100 years point to try and do something to preserve the chapel, and keep the history alive,” said Father Harri.

“We lost a generation of men in Milford Haven and the only way they will live on is through memorials like this.

“I feel strongly that this is important. If we want to preserve our history there needs to be an investment from the community, and it’s not fair to ask the regulars who come to church to pay for everything.

“I hope people will help and also come to learn more about this part of our town’s history.”

To give a donation, or organise a fundraising event, contact Father Harri at the church, or ring 01646 692476.