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…
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…
Well September has proved a turnaround month for us. The Brits are back. We have loved sharing our home with all the French, Belgians, Dutch and Americans who have visited us since we reopened, but we are, after all, British and, after 18 months without you, it’s so good to 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…
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…
It’s hard to plan anything at the moment. One never knows what will be possible until the last minute. However the third Sunday of September is traditionally the day that we commemorate the action of the 47th (London) Division at High Wood so, in glorious sunshine, we headed up to Read more…
This morning, for the first time in many years, John and I marked the 1st day of the Battle of the Somme on our own. We chose the spot at Carnoy from which the 7th Battalion, the Buffs, part of the 55th Brigade, went over the top. the Official History Read more…
As I write this, the borders remain closed and we await news of when they will reopen. As France is at last able to begin deconfinement, we offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who continues to respect the travel restrictions, reducing the spread of the virus. May and June are Read more…
Today we marked 75 years of peace in Martinpuich. The Mayor had asked us all to stay clear from the memorial while he marked the anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe so we walked up one hour later to lay our wreath, bringing us in Read more…
Our first commemoration of 2020 took place in London Cemetery by High Wood. It was just the two of us, John with his camera and me with flowers and a small wooden cross. We had received an email from the niece of John Davidson who was killed on the 3rd Read more…