This memorial, housed in the former Stratford Normal School, was erected by students and staff in memory of one teacher and several students killed during the First World War.
Before a large crowd on 31 March 1921, a memorial window was unveiled to the late Lieutenant H.V. Pickering, former English Master at the Normal School and the 13 former students of the school who gave their lives in the First World War. A Union Jack that had been covering the window was lowered and a moment of silent reflection was taken. Two regiment colonels were asked to make remarks on the solemn occasion, and both Colonel J.L. Youngs – whose son Jack died in the war – and Colonel G. Williams spoke eloquently about their fallen brethren and the human cost of war.
Sir Galahad is depicted in the center of the window and above him are the angels of his vision (in the poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson). In front of Sir Galahad are white lilies and a few scarlet poppies. Behind him is an oak tree with clinging clematis. They are bordered by laurel leaves reversed, representing victory through death.
This center is surrounded by a paneled frame. The right and left sides of the frame list the names of the fallen on shields with the chief battles of the First World War listed above and below the shields. Below the side panels, the dates 1914-1919 are on shields surrounded by laurel and surmounted by crowns. The panel beneath the center contains emblems of Canada and Great Britain.
The top of the window contains three panels, the two side ones have emblems of the infantry and cavalry, with the Tudor rose cleverly inserted. The center panel has the school crest - a burning lamp with the motto ‘docendo discimus’ surrounded by laurel and maple leaves. The background of the panels is purple and much of the design is in gold, which are the school's colours.
Friends of Stratford Normal School Heritage was founded in 1994 to save the 10-feet high stained glass window from potentially being demolished with the rest of the building. City council at the time decided to purchase the building from the province and repurpose it, so it would not be torn down.
