WW1 remembering family members

To of my husbands great uncles died in WW1, one at Ypres and one in Mesopotamia ( Iraq).

We found out in a really weird way- my DH has 18 siblings , as his dad was married 3 times , born in 1906! ( DH's oldest sister was older than my mum..) and as he was orphaned and in care by 15, didn't have much family history, other than Dad born in Dimson, and Grandad in Maristow neither of which we could find on the map, so we booked to take our Caravan to a place called Bratton Clovelly where we could pitch and store.

Much to our amazement on checking the records at Plymouth, we found his family were recorded at Lewdon - 11/2 miles from our caravan - visited , and found his G.uncle on the war memorial, eventually found Maristow and found a plaque in the church as well

Hope I'm posting on correct sight. It was just a thought. Shiela Hancock made a comment on Andrew Marr show this a.m. The import of her comment was as follows:- I think if they smashed all the poppies up, it would go some way to establish the horror of the lives' that were tragically lost. I thought about this. Knowing how we as a nation have embraced the symbollism and beauty of these poppies, imagine how we'd feel if we witnessed this? It wouldn't even go anywhere near the horror of what loved ones felt! My Sil is leading a memmorial day service today. For obvious reasons won't mention location He completed 3 tours of Afghanistan. At least he came back. I can't watch the coverage without being upset. It's been like that for 45 years +

Thankyou Suzied for posting this I have added my Grandfather who died on the Somme July 1916 along with many many others..

He died while my Grandmother was pregnant with my Dad so they never met each other . He is commemorated at Thiepval .

Have added a great uncle of mine. Anyone on Ancestry can find out details on the De Ruvigny Roll of Honour for anyone they know. It's good to see what those he fought with thought of him.

tanith we have something in common. My grandfather was also killed at the Somme aged 27. He left my grandmother pregnant with my aunt and 2 older siblings to look after one of whom was my Dad who was born the year before war broke out and so did not really remember his father. sad times!

I have noticed on Ancestry anyone can look at the WW1 information for free today.

alex57currie

I noted your comment re Sheila Hancock, I saw her too. She actually said she thought it should be wrecked by a bull dozer, artistic licence of course.

Have you looked at the thread Art is culture, right? on the Culture Forum.

You might find it interesting reading as it is discussing the poppy display and shows diverse thoughts by GN's

Thank you POGS.