N.O.S. Posted October 19, 2007 Share Posted October 19, 2007 I've just seen something so, so sad - In an auction of architectural stuff, there was a memorial stone to a Private, aged 24, killed in action in France on 2nd Sept 1918. I asked the auctioneer about it, he said that very occasionally they get something like this in, where a family has died out and the property sold, and the incoming folk don't want it around the place. It got me thinking, and I ask all of you - If you acquired it, what would you consider to be a fitting thing to do with it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick W Posted October 19, 2007 Share Posted October 19, 2007 Ask the War graves comission their advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick W Posted October 19, 2007 Share Posted October 19, 2007 If it was me though I'd do a bit of research first. Was he English or not. If he was, find the http://www.cwgc.co.uk and type in his name to see if he has been registered and has a permanent memorial in one of the graveyards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeEnfield Posted October 19, 2007 Share Posted October 19, 2007 Ask the War graves comission their advice. Aye, guess they'd be the first people to approach,.............I'm assuming this a private memorial stone,..............in so much that his name is inscribed on a town/villiage war memorial, somewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.O.S. Posted October 19, 2007 Author Share Posted October 19, 2007 Thanks for that, Rick. In between burning various bits of our supper :shake: (I will be in trouble...) I managed to discover he was in the Norfolk Regiment, and is buried in Red Cross Corner Cemetry, Beugny. I had no idea WGC were so well organised. It must be a private stone from a garden - "youngest son of.....". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick W Posted October 19, 2007 Share Posted October 19, 2007 You could always ask your local friendly vicar if you could have a place for the stone in the graveyard, maybe leaning up against a wall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted October 19, 2007 Share Posted October 19, 2007 Personnaly I would take it back to the area were he died. The French and Belgium people are much more respectful of such things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeEnfield Posted October 19, 2007 Share Posted October 19, 2007 Personnaly I would take it back to the area were he died. The French and Belgium people are much more respectful of such things. True, enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick W Posted October 19, 2007 Share Posted October 19, 2007 Alternatively, get your local paper to be involved with the story. It would be a great run up to Remembrance Day a story like that, and good publicity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.O.S. Posted October 20, 2007 Author Share Posted October 20, 2007 I couldn't see this become someone's novelty item, or recycled upside down as a paving slab, so I left a very nominal bid on it at the architectural salvage auction, with some other lots. When I went to collect my lots this afternoon, to my surprise I found it is now my responsibility. Thanks for your suggestions. I thought I would contact the Norfolk Regiment folk and see if they can find a place. Failing that, perhaps it should go across the channel, which will entail findng out exactly where the soldier fell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abn deuce Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 You made the right choice , giving it thought and wanting to do something positive with this piece of history , as long as its perserved it has options , if destroyed there are NO options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 I couldn't see this become someone's novelty item, or recycled upside down as a paving slab, so I left a very nominal bid on it at the architectural salvage auction, with some other lots. When I went to collect my lots this afternoon, to my surprise I found it is now my responsibility. Thanks for your suggestions. I thought I would contact the Norfolk Regiment folk and see if they can find a place. Failing that, perhaps it should go across the channel, which will entail findng out exactly where the soldier fell. brilliant!! Well done that man. An honour to know you, and I mean it. What could have happned makes me shudder. Any help I can give, my contacts would jump at the chance to help. WE WILL REMEMBER. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 What a gentleman, I hope that you find the correct place for the stone to be, here or abroad. Lets us know what happens will be a great story to tell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisPWRR Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 You are a true gent sir Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 Having had a quick nose about, the Norfolks recuruited over a large area. Any clues as to where your man originated? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.O.S. Posted October 21, 2007 Author Share Posted October 21, 2007 No, but I'll ask the auctioneer today where the vendor lives - could then check Parish records for family name as I have the father's initials . I told auctioner about HMVF and ideas given on what to do with it, and he was really pleased, I think it left a nasty taste in his mouth to sell it. The idea of getting it back to the battle area somehow does seem most appropriate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeEnfield Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 I'll add my WELL DONES, here. I'd certainly try and get the local paper to you interested in this, as already mentioned, with Rememberance day coming up, and the fact of your trying to trace the man's details, where he fell, etc; would think it'd make a good feature; Also, why not get in touch with Britain At War magazine,.............they may be able to help in some ways, and again, would be an interesting article for them, and their readers. Nice One. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 Snapper has Andy Robertshaw doing a lecturer next month. Right up Andy's street if No man's Land can't help no one else can. They have all the contacts here and in Europe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.O.S. Posted October 21, 2007 Author Share Posted October 21, 2007 Your compliments are much appreciated, but I feel they are misplaced. Let me explain - Before I joined the forum a few months ago, I would have just looked at the stone and thought 'what a shame'. Only by reading through those topics and postings on this forum which are incidental to specific vehicles (like Battlefields, museums etc and reports of members' exploits here and abroad), have I begun to take more notice of the wider issues, like remembering those who fought for their countries. So my actions in a way are a direct result of other peoples' input to this forum. Even things like the guys who are happy to put a dvd of their tank trip up a motorway in the post (pre HMVFTV) and simply say "make a donation to the Royal British Legion to cover costs". Which means YOU LOT are to blame for this! Which is why I would like the forum to be involved in some way in the solution, even if only by giving it publicity. I hope this makes sense, what I'm trying to say is that any compliments should rightfully be reflected back at the forum and its membership. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 As your part of it, your entitled to your share of the glory. :angel: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.O.S. Posted October 22, 2007 Author Share Posted October 22, 2007 Here is a picture of the stone. I've contacted the Royal Norfolk Regiment Museum in Norwich, who have kindly offered to try to ascertain, with help from the RNR Association, where the soldier fell. Their museum is very tight on space, so not an option. The view of the Association regarding placement is being sought - I have suggested it might be possible to get it to France if appropriate. The Comonwealth Cemetry is in the Pas de Calais region, but this may bear no relation to where he fell. I am wary of trying to trace any possible relatives, perhaps the fact that the stone came to auction is enough to conclude a lack of family tie for whatever reason, the aim is not to delve into personal issues. Still pondering over this one! Will keep you posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick W Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 On the day he died there were three major actions that took place on that day. Just have to work out where his regiment was on that day and you could have your answer. Battle on 23-mile front; Troops of First Army, supported by tanks, break through Drocourt-Queant "Switch" line, south of Scarpe, capture Cagnicourt and Villers, encircle and take Queant by nightfall; 10,000 prisoners. On Lys front British also gain ground, and north of Peronne, where Sailly-Sallisel and whole of St. Pierre-Vaast Wood re-taken. General Mangin continues advance north of Soissons, captures Neuilly and Terny Sorny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
General Mayhem Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Your public spirit is a good example to us all. Keep a diary of your efforts, include everything, then at a later date, post a precis, you might just inspire others. I do hope that this link is of some little help. http://www.1914-1918.net/grandad/grandad.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick W Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 On August 15 1918, Haig refused demands from Foch that he continue the Amiens offensive, even though the attack was faltering as the troops outran their supplies and artillery, and German reserves were being moved to the sector. Instead, Haig began to plan for an offensive at Albert, which opened on August 21. The main attack was launched by the British Third Army, with the United States II Corps attached. The second battle began on August 21 with the opening of the Battle of Bapaume to the north of the river itself. That developed into an advance which pushed the German Second Army back over a 55 kilometre front, from south of Douai to La Fère, south of Saint-Quentin, Aisne. Albert was captured in August 22. On August 26, the British First Army widened the attack by another twelve kilometers. Bapaume fell on August 29. The Australian Corps crossed the Somme River on the night of August 31, and broke the German lines at Mont St Quentin and Péronne. The British Fourth Army's commander, General Henry Rawlinson, described the Australian advances of August 31-September 4 as the greatest military achievement of the war.[1] By September 2, the Germans had been forced back to the Hindenburg Line, from which they had launched their offensive in the spring http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o72/rik242_2006/775px-Western_front_1918_allied.jpg[/img] Work in progress.... ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick W Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Also worth a look for everyone! http://sedgleymanor.com/people/addiss.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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