In March there have been 15 rededication ceremonies in France and Belgium, many attended by surviving family. Hats off to the team from the JCCC, CWGC and the regiments who organised them so smoothly. These ceremonies are open to the public and we would encourage you to time your trips Read more…
You may remember that John was researching his own family during lockdown. One of the most poignant stories to come to light is that of his Great Uncle Victor. I would like to think that his is an unusual story, but the truth is that many soldiers had similar experiences—it Read more…
Lance Corporal William Wucher of the 12th Battalion Middlex Regiment was laid to rest, alongside three comrades in Meaulte Military Cemetery, 106 years ago today. He had enlisted at the age of 20, on 2nd September 1914, just as the war started, and on 16th March 1915, while still under Read more…
George Stamp was born 1894 to John and Frances Stamp in Oldham. Five years later his sister, Ivy Mary was born. In around December 1915, George enlisted into the 89th Field Company, Royal Engineers and after training, he moved to France & Flanders. During March 1917 George’s unit was based Read more…
Yesterday, a rededication service was held at Douchy-les-Ayettes, for Corporal Frederick (Bertie) George Jeffs of the Royal Flying Corps. The Rev’d Dr (Sqn Leader) Kate Bruce RAF, Station Chaplain at RAF Coningsby, conducted the service, with reverence, thought and care. Members of RAF XI(F) Squadron were in attendance and gave Read more…
John and I attended nine reburial services this week on the Somme and in the Pas-de-Calais. We were once again moved by the care and respect shown by the team of people who laid these soldiers to rest. We thank the JCCC for making us so welcome. The first commemoration, Read more…
In Delville Wood on the 15th of July we remember the South Africans who fought here 105 years ago and we remember them through you. We remember the soldiers whose Zulu war cries put fear into their enemies, cries repeated in their honour at 7:00 on 15th of July 2016. Read more…
This is the story of a British couple, George and Ann Shreeve, who made a life and raised family in France after the First World War. Leopold George Shreeve (known as George) was born in 1886, in St Pancras, London, the youngest of 10 children. We know that he Read more…
We took a drive out in honour of ANZAC Day to visit some of the local villages that are especially associated with Australian and New Zealand Forces. Digger Cote 160 had organized a small ceremony at dawn in Pozières, a church service was held in the afternoon at Bullecourt and Read more…
We have been heartened to see so many flags flying at half-mast, in our corner of the world, in honour of Prince Philip. It has been a reminder of the respect held for him internationally; itself a reflection of the respect he had for other nations, races and cultures. We Read more…