debris4spike | Entries tagged with remembrance

Well this is the last lot until next week .... honest.

For years, while I lived in Essex, I used to go and meet up with friends at The Field of Remembrance. Mum came with me a couple of times. The 2 I used to meet were veterans from WWII who were in the same regiment as one of my Grandfather's and we met the first year I was at college. Between Novembers we used to write to each other. One, Ted had actually landed on D-Day itsefl, whereas Len landed on D-Day +2. The last year I met up with them (about 4 years before they both died) I was so honoured as Ted gave me the Sweetheart brooch that he had given to his wife at the time.

The Northamptonshire Regiment

The Home Guard

The Coldstream Guards

The reason I was in London last weekend was to go to The Cenotaph for the Remembrance Service .... here are a few of the photos ....

Tim sent me this photo!!

I didn't even realise on the day I had actually got a phot of The King ... as it is part of a photo I took -

( Enjoy the morning )

I do hope, whichever way, the USA votes that it will end up best for the country ... best for the world.

However today, in England, we celebrate "Bonfire Night."

For those who don't know it is to commemorate Guy Fawkes ... who was one of the conspirators who planned to blow up the King (James I) on the opening of Parliament in 1605.

As is often said ... he is possibly the only man to enter parliament with a clear agenda.

So, how ironic that as we remember The Gunpowder Plot, USA has gone to the polls to elect their new President.

Remember, remember!
The fifth of November,
The Gunpowder treason and plot;
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot!

Most of us know the beginning of the poem ... but that was all of it.

Well I am off to London tomorrow for Remembrance weeked.

I am looking forward to it, except that the bugs that stopped me meeting up with Brenda yesterday are a bit worse, so I spoke to the GP and he has started me on antibiotics for a chest infection.

So that is annoying, but atleast I can start treatment today and not have to go hunting for a hospital over the next couple of days.

As a result of me being away ....

5. Do you like fireworks displays, or are they just annoying at this time of year? Have you ever made your own fireworks display at home?
Until I was 12 we always had a firework display at home … I have fond memories of them.
I think the last large display I went to was 4th July 2017 when I was in Oregon. That was special, as well.

6. Pockets or a handbag/purse? Are you guilty of carrying things you don’t need in a bag because you haven’t decluttered for a while?
Pockets, please. Not really a fan of a handbag, at all.

7. Do you have a favourite apple?
I like most of them.

8. In 1895 German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen produced and detected electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range today known as X-rays or Röntgen rays. Have you ever had your feet X-rayed?
Possibly as a child, as it used to be “normal” in some shoe shops.
The last time was back in 1982, when I was run over … they had to check on the injuries of both my ankles.

9. Wes Craven’s ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ premiered in the US in 1984. Have you ever seen it? Are you a fan of horror films?
Never seen it – and not a fan of the horror genre.

10. If calories didn’t affect your weight and you didn’t have to worry about the health implications, what would be your favourite thing to eat as a treat every single day?
Proper chips, from a good chip shop.

11. It’s Calista Flockhart’s birthday – did you ever watch Ally McBeal?
No

See you on the 12th x

And so the trip is coming to an end.

On our way to the final stop of the trip we visited Brandhoek New Military Cemetery ... this was the location of the only double VC of WWI ... Noel Chavass who had already received the MC. He is also, it should be noted, a member of the Medical Corps.

And, from there it was our final trip to "Wipers" ... or, more technically Ypres. I have been a few times, but it was good to have a wander round with friends, and then atend the Last Post, which has been played every night since 1928, other then during WWII.

We walked along the Ramparts (as it was an old town, totally rebuilt as it was before 1914) to one of the cemeteries ... probably one of the prettiest locations ever.

Then we split up for tea (I had a snack with me) and then met up again at The Menin Gate ... although much of it is being restored the central arch is re-open now. However I couldn't get to see Claire's great-grandfather's name that is on one of the walls, as a soldier with no known grave.

The Cloth Hall

One of the early Cemetery signs

Remembering the dead of India

The Menin Gate

Getting ready for the Last Post

This set of photos are all based around the Belgian town of Poperinge, or as Granddad would have called it .... Pop

Our first stop was at The Town Hall (which looks almost Disney, to me), and to the death cell, which is where the condemned were kept for the last night of their life. Once it had all been confirmed (as I said of the 4,000+ about 300 died), they were brought here, offered a priest, food, whatever.

Carved emblem of the Canadian 49th Infantry Battalion

We then had time for lunch, as as ever I had a snack with me, so I walked round the town and into St Bertinus Church

The Ghybe (Ghent, Yper, Brugghe) governed the country of Flanders (in an incorrect manor) and tried to suppress Poperinge (the boulder)

Model of Ginger - a local girl who served in this cafe during the war.

War Memorial

Homage in Recognition of the British Heroes who fell in the defence of the town ... 1914 - 1918

( And into the Church )

We then walked to Talbot House, or as Granddad called it Toc H. the present house is the same one used in WWI, but they have also got the adjoining house to help with accommodation. As during the war, we were provided with a cup of tea, and were shown a screening of a variety show of the time.

( Walking in Granddad's footsteps )

The last stop on our Poperinge visit was to the cemetery, to see the grave of the first officer "shot at dawn".

ES Poole .... 1st officer shot-at-dawn

Our middle day of the trip was coming to an end, and on our way back we drove past Henencourt Chateau, where British officers were billeted. The men were in the village, but from the coach it was impossible to get a photo!

Henencourt Chateau - where British officers were billetted (2)

On our way back to our hotel we made a final stop at Thiepval Memorial ... the memorial to the missing of the Somme. Granddad was there, but sadly we weren't there long enough for me to find his regimental memorial, as he would have known some of those names, I am sure.

( The Memorial )

And so we are on the last day of the trip, and our first stop was Bailleul Cemetery, which is near where one of the RFC airfields were. One grave we went specifically to see was that of Thomas Mottershead received the only V.C. ever awarded to a non-commissioned RFC officer during the First World War

As there was also a hospital there, many of the graves are doubles and as you can see it was started as part of the local Churchyard.

( A stroll through the cemetery )

Our final stop of the morning was at Godewaersvelde Cemetery.... or, as the soldiers called the town "God Wears Velvet".

We went there to see one of the nursing sisters who was killed in a bombing of the hospital areas. And, ironically, we ended up having to call the Belgian health services, as the lady collapsed again. They were very speedy.

E M Kent - nursing sister

( Another stroll )

Our final stop on day 1 was to Vimy Ridge - Canadian Memorial

It is a striking structure, as you can see ... at the site of one of the battlefields, first attempted by Moroccans, and eventually taken by the Canadians.

( Some details of the memorials )

We started our next day with a visit to Bailleulmont Cemetery. The grave we came to see was one of the people who was "Shot at Dawn" ... in fact it is personal memorial that gives the description, that is now widely used.

We were told there were over 300 people who were shot at dawn, although some of them were for crimes such as rape & murder that if they had been in England would have been hanged under the law at that time. Although that seems a lot of people we were also told that over 4,000 were originally sentenced .... but many were commuted and so although an awful saide of the war is remembering those who died as a result of shell shock, there weren't as many people as it could have been.

In actual fact we got really delayed here as one of the holiday makers collapsed, and we had to wait for an ambulance. Fortunately she was OK, and rejoined us for the final day.

Our next stop was to Doullens, to the Town Hall, which ai where the Doullens Conference was held in 1918. The Germans managed a huge break-through, and this is where the Allies came to discuss what the plans would be for their recovery. In the end Haig said he would serve under anyone ... and the leader was elected as General Philippe Pétain.

The table .... with pictures of each of those who were involved

( Inside the Town Hall )

We then had lunch in Doullens ... so I had a wander round -

... Including the Church of St Peter

Tomb, dated 1585

Remembering, especially today, my trip to Normandy 5 years ago. Thinking of all those men and women who fought to free Europe.

Especially thinking of my friend Ted, who landed on Sword Beach 80 years ago today. Such a lovely man, like so many, to have suffered so much that I can live in freedom

So peaceful when I was there ... not how Ted would have remembered it. We used to meet up every November at Westminster, but sadly he died back in 1992. A couple of years before he died he gave me the sweetheart broach he had given his wife. Suchan honour.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary, not the years condemn
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We will remember them

When you go home tell them of us -
For your tomorrow, we gave our today

I have been at work today ... had to be there at 8am, yet the first appointment was 11am. So that was annoying to have such an early start for no reason. Still there were some nice people that I saw overall, so the day went OK in the end.

Now I am back, and have some things to get on with, so wll sign off with a catch-up I thought I was up to date, but it turned out I was all "backwards" as I have done 5 August questions ... hadn't downloaded

kazzy_cees questions for June/July ... so have a catch-up to do ...

1. World Reef Awareness - have you ever visited a reef? Or have you only ever seen them on the TV?
No - only on TV

2. Portuguese immigrants brought fried fish and Irish immigrants brought fried thick-cut potatoes to England and so the iconic dish of fish and chips was born! What's your favourite fish to eat? If you've tried fish and chips did you have it with vinegar, lemon or something else?
I am not a real fan of fish ... but if I have to have some it's Plaice.
Chips have to have salt & (malt) vinegar

3. Can you ride a bike? Do you still ride a bike regularly?
Riddena lot, but have never liked it ... and that was even before I was almost killed ina bike accident! I don't even like static bikes at a gym environment.

4. Is yoghurt part of your diet? Have you ever made your own yoghurt?Not a regular thing ... I go through phases of eating them.
No never made it.

5. Today, Roquefort cheese was created in a cave near Roquefort, France in the year 1070. Have you ever tried it? Are you a fan of blue cheese?
Not a fan of blue cheese.

6. In 1882 the electric iron was invented (it weighed 15lbs!). Do you iron your clothes and bedding?
Yes - in fact I did a load yesterday. I actually enjoy ironing.

Right, all back up to date.

Hope you are having a good day x

One of the towns I went to while in London was Greenwich

I went there on the Saturday, so it was busy, but there again it is good to see families out enjoying the day, and a museum. It was also the 11/11 so I also went to a Remembrance Service on the banks of the Thames.

This is the start of a foot tunnel under the Thames, built in 1901

The Cutty Sark

11/11 at 11am

before the service I had walked around the Chapel of St Peter & St Paul which is the Chapel of The Royal Naval College

So between the Chapel and the Queens House I walked around the outside of some of the Royal Naval College -

One of the buildings of the complex is The Queen's House built in the early 17th century. It is open, and mostly used as an art gallery, as you can see here -

Coat of Arms, South Sea Company, 1711

Coat of Arms - William III

S-class submarine, June 1945

Elizabeth I - The Armada Portrait, 1588

Royal Visit to the Fleet in the Thames Estury, 1672

Indigo Jones, 1760

A tapestry - The Burning of the Royal James at the Battle of Solebay, 28th May 1672. Made, 1678 - 88

Right more Greenwich in a moment

Giro was a German shepherd that belonged to the German ambassador to the United Kingdom, Leopold von Hoesch. As, by this time, the German government was under Adolf Hitler, it has been described as Britain's only Nazi memorial. Flowers are put on Giro's tombstone every February

"Giro"
Ein Treuer Begleiter
London Im Februar 1934
Hoesch.

EN: "Giro"
A faithful companion!
London in February 1934.
Hoesch.

It isn't far from St James park ... which brings back great memories as while at college we usually had our lunch there, so 4 years of good memories.

Memorial to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth

Back in 1979 we were evacuated from the building that we were using for our college due to a Bomb Scare from theI IRA. I walked to Westminster Abbey, and in the ground between that and St Margaret's the Field of Remembrance was set up by the Royal British Legion. Afetr that I went every year I lived in Essex (used to meet up with a couple of WWII veterans). And, every November I have been to London I have been back -

Granddad C (and my 2 veteran friends) served in the Northamptonshire Regt

Granddad W served in the Coldstream Guards between the 2 wars

Dad served in the Home Guard durung much of the war.

Last Sunday was Remembrance Sunday and I was, again, at The Cenotaph in London ... here are a few images from the service

I was there for a couple of hours before the 11am, and then watched the service, and the march past of the veterans and representatives of the present armed forces. I moved location during that, as my feet were frozen.

I then stayed for the service led by The Salvation Army, before getting to see the cenotaph, and all the wreathes.

Queen Camilla & Catherine, Princess of Wales

Duke & Duchess of Gloucester (He is first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II)

Oe of the main reasons I go to London is to commemorate Remembrance Weeken. So, as I posted a couple of days ago I was at the actual Cenotaph. However the other place I visit is that of the Field of Remembrance at St Margaret's Westminster. I plant a cross of remembrance for Dad in The Home Guard (that he served in during WWII), one in The Coldstream Guards (that his father served in during the 1920's). I then plant 2 crosses in the Northamptonshire Regiment (one for my Granddad who server 1915 - 1918, and one for 2 friends who I used to meet there every year , who were WWII veterans). This year I also planted a cross on behalf of Claire and her family as Richard had served in The Royal Corps of Signals for 22 years (he had a standard on his coffin at his funeral)

This year, there was also a plot to commemorate HRH Queen Elizabeth II

I also spotted a couple of popular London sights

... and as it was November, the Christmas lights were up -

Yes, early tomorrow morning I am off to London again ... for my annual Remebrance Weekend trip. So camera is ready, comfy shoes sorted ... and before I go

8. Of all the famous artifacts/exhibits you've seen in museums or art galleries, which was the most disappointing when you saw it in real life?
For me the most dissappointing is the actual city of Troy I saw last month ... a lot of low walls/rubble

9. What’s a snack item you have difficulty eating in moderation?
If I open a packet of jelly sweets, I can't just eat one

10. You're an extraterrestrial scout sent to assess if it's worth making contact with Earthlings. What are your main observations and recommendations?
They never have time to relax
They are ruining their planet

11. Today is Remembrance Day/Veterans Day. Do you know anyone, or have a distant relative, who died in a war?
No, I am lucky ... a lot served, but no one died

12. What’s a good song about freedom or being free? It can be a single line or the entire song.
Come n, let's go classic "Tie a Yellow Ribbon"

13. Do you have a charity you regularly give to?
Yes - a lot of animal ones.
Dementia, and Guide Dogs one (in memory of mum & dad)
And, a Christian army charity

14. Is there one particular decision/choice you made in your life that is largely responsible for where you are now?
Well, I gave up being an osteopath ... so that led me to both my jobs at the hosptal.

Right, one short no-news post ... will try and catch up later, but still haven't packed.

Have a good time everyone, see you next week x

As of tomorrow morning I am off to London for almost a week. I wasn't able to go last year, so am looking forward to the trip. As ever, it will be museums, and more museums. This year I have had a to pre-book a lot of the visits, so will have to be less spontaneous than previous years, but it has been fun planning the trip.

I won't be on-line on Thursday, nor on Sunday, but on both days I will be keeping my own 2 minutes silence ... I do hope that you all do the same at 11 am. I shall especially remember my granddad, and a couple of great uncles who served in WWI, my other granddad who served in the '20's and my dad who served on the home front in WWII. I also remember a couple of friends who served in WWII and this year is the 30th anniversary of their death.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Clinic went well today and we finished exactly on time today. Nice patients with a range of reasons that they had seen their doctors, but all had assorted gnuine bladder problems. Last week one of our patients seemed 100% OK, and neither of us in the clinic could work out why they had come ... or even why their doctor had referred them in the first place!

Oh well - that's life.

I had better get my packing sorted out now, as I have an earlyish start - earlier than I had planned as the time of my coach has changed earlier, and with so many local roadworks locally the bus to get me into the city centre will take longer.

So, I shall sign off now and return next Tuesday .... but at least I shall get the questions done before I go -

9. What has been the most difficult class you’ve ever taken?
Physiology when I was training to be an osteopath. Ironically I now work with physiologists!

10. What’s something that’s much more difficult than a lot of people realize?
For me, riding a horse through the waves ... the movement of the horse, others around and the waves mean your vision is going in lots of different directions ... I always felt "sea-sick"

11. What are some things a house would need to have for you to purchase it?
For me, it's the "feel" as I walk in

12. Would you ever go out in public wearing pajamas?
No - although I do stay in a hostel when in London so tend to meet a lot of people wearing my pj's

13. Have you ever had a lemonade stand?
No

14. Do you think you look older or younger than your real age?
About correct, I think

15. Where have you lived throughout your life?
Essex, North Wales, Essex, Cornwall, Devon ... ie England & Wales

Well that's me done for a few days. I may try to get on-line later to see what you have written, but may not get organised in time.

So, basically, I will say that I will see you all on the 16th x

Well there will be a couple of others as well. However the reason I looked at this trip was to discover the history of those years in these small islands. And, on the Wednesday morning, we had a real chance to find out about that time. We had a guest speaker for the morning - Bob Le Sueur, who will be 101 next week. He told us a couple of hilarious tales, but also a couple of stories of the help that was given to some of the Russian slaves (and, yes, I think most of us bought his book, as well!)

As I said, our hotel was used by the Germans ... this was one of the signs I spotted in a museum (and the hotel last week as well)

So here are a few pictures of the amazing buildings that were made ...

This stunned me - 3 stories down and there's a piano.

All these batteries had air purification systems as Adolf Hitler was petrified of poison gas

German emergency rations -

Some of the food sent by the Red Cross

As you can see in the background we are near a couple of these batteries .... all this land is now dedicated to all the people from Jersey who had lost their lives during the whole of WWII

So that's some WWII history - I have more photos to share, but not so much about this time of history.

One of the places I visited on my way up North was The National Memorial Arboretum

It was well worth the visit - my brother & his wife had visited it a few times, and told me that I needed to visit. I hate to say it, but they were correct!

It is impossible to try to capture the place in pictures, but here are a few in the hope that you get some idea of what the space is about. I can honestly say, if you get the chance, you must spend the day here, it is a very special place.

Womens Land Army and Womens Timber Corps

Showman's Guild

Shot at Dawn - sadly a lot of young men/boys were shot for cowardice, although it is probable that most of them were suffering from Shell Shock & Battle fatigue. Each of these posts list the name of those who have, now, been pardoned posthumously

Royal Tank Regt - the central tree in the display (not seen on thei photo), was an oak tree grown from an acorn from Cambrai (the site of the first major tank battel) ... and a place I aim to visit next Spring.

Royal Navy - apparently the colours are the same shades found in the seas where the Navy served.

Royal Leicestershire Regt

Pegasus Bridge Memorial Flight - I was at Pegasus Bridge May 2019

Not Forgotten Assocation

Military Police

Household Division - One of my grandfather's was in the Coldstream Guards in the 1920's

Horses - yes, they are beautiful creatures and have served us in all fields of war for centuries. However for me I also remembered the many horses I have known and especially those who I know have died ... RIP Jaykub

Home Front - Dad was in the Home Guard, part of the Home Front services

Evacuees - Mum had 2 evacuees living with her for much of the war

Armed Forces Memorial - in memory of all those who have died since the end of WWII

... and inside

Merchant Navy - this ia a gun from a MN ship, served with defensive equipment. One of my Great Uncles served on these guns, and was torpedoed 3 times

Christmas Truce - I saw the actual location from Christmas 1914, in 2018

Burma Railway - they say that for every sleeper laid, a life was lost. This is part of the actual railway built then

Airborne

There is one advantage to being at home this morning - I was able to watch the Anniversary Service of the Burial of the Unknown Warrior 100 years ago this morning. Due to restrictions there were so few there (the Queen had been asked not to attend, and did her own private ceremony last week) - but despite everything, the day was not forgotten.

For those who don't know the history of the grave, then here is a link at the National Army Museum link

And, here is actual news footage -

Now for me there is a true possibility of an actual link.

The Grenediar Guards escorted the coffin from the coast, to London; and the Coldstream Guards escorted him from the station to the Abbey. However the Commander in charge of this stage noted that the coffin needed more than its flag on it (there was a replica sword incorperated on the actual coffin itself. But he wanted a tin helmet and a webbing belt - something all of the soldiers had worn. Now, this is where it becomes family ... my dad told me, that his dad had told him that it was his kit on the coffin. There is no mention of name in the archives, which is as it should be, but maybe it was Granddad's (I never knew him, as he was mentally seriously ill by the time I was 4).

So, whoever the soldier was I knew my Grandfathers ... but I do know of distant relatives lost. Claire's great-grandfather was lost with no known grave ... so maybe it was him?!

Whoever he warrior was, people who are lost in war, leave family & friends ... and should never be forgotten.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning.
We will remember them.

Over the last few years I have been at The Cenotaph in Whitehall, but this year I can't be there in person .... But am there in spirit.

As ever, remembering Dad's service in The Home Guard, as well as friend's service during WWII. I was 21 when The Falkland's War occured, and since a teenager have supported SASRA (a Christian Army/Airforce charity)

But as ever I think of my Granddad and my Great Uncle who fought in Flanders Fields in The War To End All Wars. They were both amazing men who I remember with fondness.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We will remember them.

I have actually just re-watched the TV series of ANZACs, so it has certainly been a day of remembrance for me today. My grandfathher fouught in the same areas (except for Gallipoli), and ironically my other Grandfather's best friend from the mid 20's, untill he died in 1970 lost a leg at Gallipoli.

So, yes I have made ANZAC biscuits (and this year as I am not at work I get to eat them all myself!!)

Here are a few photos I took in 2018 on The Western Front - at Tyne Cott Cemetery, and Caterpiller Valley Cemetery.

photo Hooge Crater Cemetery 10_zpsps86rpfn.jpg

photo Hooge Crater Cemetery 10_zpsps86rpfn.jpg

( Take a moment, remember )

They shall grow not old. as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary, not the years condemn
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning
We will remember them

Current Mood: thoughtful
Current Music: The Last Post

Well, I'm back - I had a great (almost) week in London. I visited loads of museums, etc. However the reason I went the days I did was so that I could be at The Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, and also visit The Field of Remembrance at St Margaret's Westminster

I went to The Field of Remembrance on the Friday morning, and planted crosses of remembrance for Dad, both my Grandfathers, as well as 2 friends ....

( Remembering the family )

On Remembrance Sunday I stood on Whitehall to be at The Cenotaph to observe the 2 minutes silence, as well as taking part in the service and watching the march past

( We Will Remember Them )

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

July 2025

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Eternal Refuge

Because Everyone Needs Dreams.

Entries tagged with remembrance

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R.I.P.

100 Years On

Pause And Remember

Remembering ANZAC Day

Remembering

July 2025

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