Vimy Ridge Centenary

[Flying10uk]

This is the only picture I have which was attached to the write up following his death. I have included an extract of this in the second picture.

[Gil Boyd]

Remarkable story, especially so as Neuve Chapelle woods claimed a whole Battalion. I dug out shrapnel from the base of many a tree there over the years, it got absolutely pasted.

[Flying10uk]

I have gold broach which his mother or sister use to wear with his photo inside, following his death and this passed to my Gran who eventually passed it to me. Unfortunately she had his photo removed and her's and my Grandfather's put in it's place, then she lost the original picture which I would like to replace. I will post pictures of the locket another day. His immediate family were, understandably, devastated by his death but came to terms with it, I believe, following a visit to the gr

[Surpmil]

A million such tragedies are said to make a statistic. Perhaps only because a million tragedies is more than the human psyche can sustain.

Met a man now long dead whose brother was one of those three time MM winners. Their mother had gone to comfort a local woman whose sons and husband had all been killed, the last near the end of the war. This woman threw her sympathy back in her face saying, "how can you understand, you who still have your husband and your other sons?"

Better to be the living or the dead?

[Flying10uk]

Here are some pictures that I mentioned earlier, in post 23, of the gold broach. As previously mentioned, it use to contain a photograph of the soldier and was worn by either his mother or sister following his death in WW1.

It is extremely lucky that this item still exists today because in 1968 when my Grandfather was seriously ill and dying in hospital from cancer someone burgled my Grandparent's home while my Gran was visiting him in hospital. The thieves stole all but 1 item of jewellery in the house at the time and anything else of value that they could find. Fortunately my Gran decided to wear this item on the day of the burglary and so it was not stolen.

If I could get a reasonable photo of the soldier I would get it replaced in the locket.

[browningautorifle]

You've now completely taken the thread from the thoughts of the Canadians that died on Vimy ridge... P*ss me off...

[Flying10uk]

You've always got to find someone to criticise on this Forum, Jim.

[browningautorifle]

Focus.

[Gil Boyd]

Thought you would like this:

#Vimy100: British Troops March In Calgary To Remember Battle Of Vimy Ridge

#Vimy100: British Soldiers Wear Authentic WW1 Uniforms To Remember The Battle Of Vimy Ridge

[browningautorifle]

I saw that one, I'm guessing they're from BATUS or Wainwright...and of course the second vid confirmed it. They must have felt at home marching on to "Black bear"...HOY!