A few years ago I was fortunate enough to visit the National Arboretum in Staffordshire, which holds over 300 memorials to those lives that have sadly been lost in conflict and civilian life. The Arboretum stands as a place which honours the fallen and recognises their service and their sacrifice for their country. It was first … Continue reading My Visit to The National Memorial Arboretum
Category: military
A Family at War (Part 2)
At the start of the Great War the population of Byford in Herefordshire, including children, was 148 and Mansell Gamage 116, giving a total of 264 inhabitants. 51 young men enlisted from the two villages and 13 of those sadly died. The others returned, but life would never be the same for any of them, … Continue reading A Family at War (Part 2)
No. 1 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station
WW1 touched the lives of millions of families, both at home and across the Empire, with families suffering irreconcilable grief and loss, many families never fully recovered. So many young men volunteered at the outbreak of War, to do "their bit" for King and Country, little did they know the full scale of the horrors … Continue reading No. 1 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station
Casualty Clearing Stations During WW1
At the outbreak of WW1, there was an ongoing debate about the best way to treat casualties from the front line. Opinion was divided, should you treat the casualty as close to the front line as possible, getting the wounded and injured men to surgery in the fastest possible time, whilst accepting that the operating … Continue reading Casualty Clearing Stations During WW1
A Family at War (Part 1)
At the start of the Great War the population of Byford in Herefordshire, including children, was 148 and Mansell Gamage 116, giving a total of 264 inhabitants. 51 young men enlisted from the two villages and 13 of those sadly died. The others returned, but life would never be the same for them after their … Continue reading A Family at War (Part 1)
Great-Grandad’s World War 1 Medals Framed
After such a long time, I have finally had my Great-Grandfathers WW1 Medals Professionally Framed. To say that I am pleased with the outcome is an under statement, I am truly blown away by how amazing the frame and Medals look. This is without doubt one of my proudest ‘Family History’ moments. It was a … Continue reading Great-Grandad’s World War 1 Medals Framed
3rd Battle of Ypres – Passchendaele
Harry Joseph Keyes was born in 1891, in Grays, Essex, the seventh of the eight children born to Joseph Keyes and Elizabeth Keyes (nee Bishop). When Harry Joseph Keyes was born, his father, Joseph, was 39 and his mother, Elizabeth, was 38. He had three brothers and four sisters. Young Harry sadly lost his life, … Continue reading 3rd Battle of Ypres – Passchendaele
Was WW2 Inevitable?
After the end of WW1 and the Paris was treaty was signed, the league of nations was formed with the basic function of maintaining world peace. Almost 20 years later and Europe was brought to its knees once more with the atrocities of War. This blog isn't an attempt to apportion blame or go over … Continue reading Was WW2 Inevitable?
How the mechanics of war have changed……..
Is today's modern warfare any different to the way in which we previously fought wars? Absolutely for me thats a Yes! Today's war, if you want to even call it war, is vastly different to previous wars such as WW1 or WW2. Trying to fight against the threat of global terror, or wars in Afghanistan … Continue reading How the mechanics of war have changed……..
Royal British Legion Passchendaele 100 Pin
I am now the very proud owner of the Royal British Legion commemorative Poppy pin to remember those that sadly lost their lives 100 years ago at the 3rd battle of Ypres, known as Passchendaele. The details of how this project came about and what went into the making of these commemorative poppy pins … Continue reading Royal British Legion Passchendaele 100 Pin