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The Somme : 100 years
- Thread starter MINENAZ16
- Start date
Thanks Minenaz16, that is a beautiful tribute. My father was there, serving with 2 Bn South Wales Borderers. Their objective on July 1st was 'Y' ravine. Some years ago I visited Newfoundland Park (thanks to Buster) and I have to say seeing all my dad's mates in the small cemetery near the ravine brought a lump to my throat. He survived of course (since I am not over a 100) and went on to get his 'Blighty wound' at Arras in 1917. He had already survived the sinking of the Royal Edward and Gallipoli.
I'm In Ypres today and friday touring the battle fields then moving onto the Somme Saturday and Sunday to find the place my great grandfather got his home ticket wound on 22nd july 1916 and also to visit the graves of his fellow comrades who did not get home 100 years ago
Thanks for posting Minenaz16 a nice tribute, my grandfather was there for the battle, and he was in the royal inniskilling fusiliers and got throught it and survived the war,
Andy
Andy
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Yes and no doubt also did many others, we hear so much about PTSD these days, but nothing about those
who survived WW1, it must have been a thousand times worse than now and they were just hidden away by their families
I guess, the suicide rate in the 20s and 30s must have been awful.
who survived WW1, it must have been a thousand times worse than now and they were just hidden away by their families
I guess, the suicide rate in the 20s and 30s must have been awful.
Just some random pictures of my trip.
High Wood
Looking towards High Wood from British lines across Caterpillar Valley
Welsh Memorial, i found it very impressive.
Shells and debris at nearly every Cafe
High Wood
Looking towards High Wood from British lines across Caterpillar Valley
Welsh Memorial, i found it very impressive.
Shells and debris at nearly every Cafe
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Very poignant. Such a beautiful place too. I had two great great uncles who fought over there, one a Cpl in the Herts Regt, the other a Pte in the R.I.R. Aged 21 and 19, both died at Passchedaele in 1917 six weeks apart, William by a shell which lit amongst the working party he was in at night killing 4, and Tom by a sniper.
Tom had found out that Will was only half a mile along the front before the big push and asked his CO if he could get a pass to go visit his brother, which was declined. When he did get a chance to go, it was because his brother had fallen and Tom had asked the CO if he could get an idea of how from Will's mates, still along the line.
Six weeks later, Tom fell.
I am fortunate to have copies of the letters they both sent during their stint. Their cheeriness in the letters defies the horror they both experienced, both having come through the 1st July Somme episode.
My pride and respect for these boys knows no bounds, not just my family members, but the entire generation who took up arms.
Tom had found out that Will was only half a mile along the front before the big push and asked his CO if he could get a pass to go visit his brother, which was declined. When he did get a chance to go, it was because his brother had fallen and Tom had asked the CO if he could get an idea of how from Will's mates, still along the line.
Six weeks later, Tom fell.
I am fortunate to have copies of the letters they both sent during their stint. Their cheeriness in the letters defies the horror they both experienced, both having come through the 1st July Somme episode.
My pride and respect for these boys knows no bounds, not just my family members, but the entire generation who took up arms.