Tavistock Council Meeting reported in the Tavistock Gazette - September 24, 1936
The recent removal of the World War Memorial, in the form of a trench mortar from its cement base alongside the Library by the Utility Commission was the subject of a lengthy discussion, in which the Commission were warmly criticised on their permitting the removal of the relic. As the old gun is village property, and was placed on village property, and given to the village by the government, through the instrumentality of Dr. M. Steele, it was expressed that the Utility Commission exceeded their authority by a wide margin in granting permission necessary for its removal. It was brought out that during the gun's removal to the town lot, one wheel was rendered useless, in that three spokes were broken and the tire lost. The feeling was expressed that this should be repaired by the Commission. The following motion was passed: "That the Public Utility Commission be asked to return the War Memorial to its foundation and leave same in condition as it was when removed by a member of the Commission, namely Mr. B. C. Ratz, without proper permission being granted by the Council; and that the Memorial be returned on or before October 1st. 1936. that day being the last day to be returned, or legal action will be taken." The resolution was moved by Councillors Hitzeroth and Appel respectively.