Great Website!

Pierre,

This is a copy of an email sent today to Melissa Walsh, Chief Visitor Activities European Operations - Veterans Affairs Canada. It was only through contact with your web site that prompted me to make a visit to the Vimy Memorial last weekend and I thank you for all the information I gained from your site, well done.

Dear Melissa,

Private Charles Spraggett 171537, 20th Bn., Canadian Infantry ( Central Ontario Regiment) Killed in Action 1st October 1916.

I visited the Memorial last weekend in a hope that I could find out more information with regards my grandfather. Fortunately, passed on to me was my Grandfather’s Dog Tag Disc which I was hoping, along with many other original documents to leave with your selves for display in order that they are not lost. A couple of original orders (in poem form) your staff on duty found very interesting. In fact the staff on duty last Saturday were indeed extremely helpful in all respects and although quite late in the day my son, his partner and myself had a tour around the trenches and tunnels for which we offer our most sincere appreciation.

After the tour, we returned to the information office and after discussing details of my grandfather, one of your staff ask whether we had details of his grave. Unfortunately were unaware that there was a specific grave allocated to him. With this in mind, your colleague checked out this information from a book that was at hand and low and behold informed us that he was interred at the follow Cemetery:

Row M 23 at the Bard Cottage Cemetery in Boesinghe, Ypres, Belgium. With this information now to hand, we travelled to the Bard Cottage Cemetery to locate this grave which nobody was aware of. Having located R 23, the only inscription that appeared on the headstone was:

‘ A SOLDIER OF THE GREAT WAR ‘

KNOWN UNTO GOD

In light of the aforementioned, upon my return to the UK, I made contact with the CWGC in Maidenhead Berkshire, the address I obtained from the Grave Plan held at the Cemetery. I related all this information to them and they we very interested in the information I related to them. If this was indeed the grave of my Grandfather, they required to have evidence as to what point was this grave identified to be that of Private Charles Spraggett. If all this turned out to be positive, the Commission would certainly have the headstone engraved accordingly.

I personally informed them that I would make contact with you direct, and pass on any formation that I may obtain from you although I am quite sure that they would most correspond with you direct if all turns out to be correct.

In concluding this email, is there any way possible that I could find out the place where he was actually killed since we also have evidence from my nephew in Canada, that he was one of the top six snipers in his Battalion.

The original orders I mentioned above are reproduce below:

Typed on Militia and Defence paper dated June 1916.

Battalion Orders By Colonel Doolley Doolley. Commanding Submarine light horse.

Revaille 3 p.m.

The battalion will parade with bare feet and helmets, and proceed to the river URE, where they will dive into the river. Officers will plunge with putters on. Anyone found wandering at the bottom looking for promotion will, immediately receive his discharge on coming to the surface. All submarines found must be handed in to the Quarter Masters Stores.

Route March 4 a.m.

There will be a route march as far as Russia headed by the brass band which will play the famous ditty. ‘ here we come suffering grief and pain’. In case of frost bite being prevalent in the ranks, each man will be provided with a box of sun stroke ointment and a pair of crutches.

This I am sure was given to each of the men in order to keep up their morale, fortunately, I have an original now nearly 100 years old, along with other original documents from the Department of Militia and Defence – Ottawa, plus the treasured ‘ Dog Tag’.

Any further information that you may be able to provide me with will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all so much, the visit to the Memorial, Trenches, Tunnels and last but not least the Bard Cottage Cemetery made us all feel most humble for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our Freedom who now all rest peacefully.

Yours sincerely

Eddie Spraggett
Hampshire

I am a english lady, living across the road from the cemetry in thorembais st trond, there are 6 war heroes buried there. their names are G.lickley, RAFage 20,J.T.Farmer age 20. VB Quilan RCAF, age21 D E G DenerRAAF, age 29,A Yoxall. RAF, age 25, F S Ellis, RAF age unknown,they all died 7-8-1941when their Wellington came down, nearby. just to let you know I visit them now and again. to show my respect, This is such a great site,

My Great Uncle, 5770425 Drummer T G R Parker, of the Norfolk Regiment, was killed at Le Paradis, France in 1940. My Great Aunt re-married some years later aand her new husband made her get rid of all photos/paperwork related to him which means we have no information or pictures of him. I know that he was born in March 1915 in Kingsbridge, Devon, but wondered if anyone has any information on him through their relatives at all? or could help in any way. I'd so love to find out if there is any surviving family. Kind Regards - Carole :)

We have just found a postcard photo of Rifleman Harry Stenton 51496, King's Liverpool Regiment. Fell in action in France 25 March 1918. (aged 19)

He was my Grandad's friend and they were side by side in the trenches when Harry fell and my Grandad never really got over the trauma. He has written on the postcard 'One of the very Best'

I was touched and surprised to see the post from Carol o Hare about James Bramhall. The date/place/ name seem to suggest we are related as he was my great grandfather on my mums side.
I have a photo of James and his wife and some documentation that I would be happy to share if you could think of a way of us getting in touch.

NELSON JAMES PUNTON
United Kingdom Corporal Seaforth Highlanders "D" Coy. 2nd Bn. Age: 24 Date of Death: 02/11/1918 Service No: S/3486 A.22.

This young man was my great Uncle and I still have to visit his grave. Do you have any knowledge of why he was here at this time when the war was almost over? Still looking for answers! Was on a battlefields trip October 2010 but was nowhere near this area - have saved our poppy cross for his grave. Thank You

Just found your website and very impressed with the extra detail and comprehensive links section. Having recently visited my great uncle's grave Rifleman Alexander Quinn at Duhallows ADS CWG I've taken a keener interest in just what sacrifices have been made on our behalfs to maintain all our freedom. Thanks for setting this up and will use your website in future as a reference point. Regards, Kieron.

Thank you for this excellnt site. I will be taking my school students from Hong Kong to visit the area next week and look forward to visiting the grave of my grand uncle Evan Davies, service number 4675. He died when he was only 24 on Nov 6, 1914 and it seems he landed in France only a day or two before that. Evan was with the Royal Welch Fusiliers and I believe with the 1/4th Batt'. So sad and so many tragic stories.

I discovered this site by researching ww1 deceased soldiers. My grandmothers brother was Private Arthur Watson Colgate. I have no idea if my grandmother ever knew where her brother was buried- she died in 1978- but I feel I have found out precious information about him and one day I hope to visit. Would it be possible to obtain a photo of his grave?

My great uncle, James Francis McGinley was killed in action while advancing on the enemy near St. George on November 1st. He was first buried on the battlefield on November 1,1918. He was moved to a military cemetery in St. Juvin, Ardennes November 5, 1918. He was moved once again on April 4th, 1919 and reburied in the America B/A cemetery (1232) in Romagne, meuse (N.E.35 E.308 16N. 284.87) Romagne-Souse Montfaucon, Meuse where he was reburied the same day. His remains were disinterred on June 16, 1921 and returned to America.
I saw a picture of 5 white crosses on a mound north of St. Juvin that were soldiers buried on November 1, 1918. I often wondered if one of those soldiers was my great uncle. Is there anyway to find out the names of those soldiers that were ultimately moved to a military cemetaryon November 5?
All of the above information was given to me by the War Department in Washington, D.C.
Maureen Carr

Thank you so so much for taking the time to make this website and to list our heros one by one. My mum has been looking for my Great Granddad Frederick Edgar Barber for years and it is so wonderful to see his name in print. Thanks once again.

Thanks very much for your wonderful website! My uncle, Charles Alva Kerman, who was a member of the 4th Battalion, Central Ontario Regiment of the Canadian Infantry was killed in action on October 20, 1918 and buried in the Hasnon Communal Cemetery. No member of my family has ever visited the grave-site, however, my wife and I are planning on making a special trip to see it later this year. Your website provided all the confirmation that we needed.

Will be visiting Vieux Berquin in June. This is where my great uncle 18468 Private William Moss, 1st bn Lancashire Fusiliers was fatally wounded around 12th-19th April 1918. He is buried in Longuenesse Cemetery near St Omer. I hope to follow his route through France and Belgium. I would really like to find out exactly what happened to him. Whilst visiting the sunken lane nr beaumont hamel last year, we found a bag of grenades sticking out of the ground. Shows how careful you need to be.

I have just seen the photograph of my great uncle's grave in Sameon Churchyard.(Jarman of the East Kent Regiment ). Great site... Thanks !

Thank you Pierre foy you wonderful site you have made a lady in Luton Bedforshire in the uk very happy she was engaged to Ernest Kingham from the 514 squardon and your large photograve of his grave is beside her bed he died june 1944 and was 24 years old this lady is now 90th thank you so much bless you

Dear Great Grandad.
I hope you are with the daughter you never got to see, as my beloved nan Ruth Furber your daughter died 29th January. I promised nan i would come and see you and i am in June this year. Private Harry Clarke 47826 1st Britallion Leicester Regiment R.I.P

For my great uncle Frank Crawshaw who died Feb 11th 1915.

Several members of the family have visited the grave and we would like to send our appreciation to the Belgian people for looking after the cemeteries after all these years.

My great uncle Willie (Billy) Robinson died 17th/19th July 1917 and we visited his grave a few years ago. I am trying to find out how he died but with no luck...........has anybody any ides please??
He is buried in Perth Cemetary (China Wall)
Many thanks
Eddy

My great great uncle john is buried in hop store,he was in the D.L.I and we don't know much more than that....but after all this time we finally found him....will never be forgotten uncle john(ella's granddaugher)

Through researching my family tree I discovered I am the 1st cousin 4 times removed of Frederick William Henry Lett who is listed on your roll. Many people may think this is such a distant relation why am I posting here, but seeing his name and him being remembered here makes me feel so proud of him. I am so grateful to him and all the other brave men listed here who gave their life for me.

My uncle George Armer was killed on the 20/05/1916 aged 23 (He would have been 24 on the 30/06/1916) He was awarded the MM but its not known what for or when. But my older sister has had it cleaned and she now wears it with pride at the rememberance service in her village.He is buried in Essex Farm . We went over to see his grave in 2005 and are going again in May this year . It makes you feel very hummble to see all the lives lost. And we must never forget R.I.P uncle George

In memory of my great uncle Private Gilbert James Platt. Lancashire Fusileers

OSBORN ''BERTIE ALWYN'' AUST PRIVATE 3999. MY GRANDMOTHERS BROTHER. I WISH TO SEE HIS GRAVE ONE DAY AND BE THE FIRST FAMILY MEMBER TO DO SO. HIS BROTHER STEPHEN WAS KILLED AT GALLIPOLI

My father was with Donald Arthur Elston (who died June 1944 and is buried in Benouville cemetery) sheltering in a door way and they were discussing the fact that they had both recently become fathers. Donalds last words were "it wont be long before I see my little boy" and it was at that point that he was caught in the head with a snipers bullet. My Father never forgot the short friendship he had with Donald.

In memory of my great Uncle Percy Colston Caines died with his comrades Fromeilles July 1917 buried in 'No man's land' gave his life for his beloved Australia.

You have done so much work and I am very grateful. I never knew the name of the cemetery my great grandfather was buried in. Now I would like to visit it. 19748 Sapper Louis Wilton POOLE 1st Field Engineers.

really wonderfull site ,thank you pierre

for my father wilbert s lang who was in the raf.discharged from raf 22 aug.1946.

My great uncle Ewart Barratt is buried in the cemetery at St Quentin Cabaret.
I have a photograph of him and I would like to add it, and some details, to your webpage for that cemetery. Please can you tell me how I can do this.
Regards,
Colin Barratt

Dear Sirs.
I have been helping my partner research his family tree, and we've discovered that his Great Grandfather is located in the 'Windmill British Cemetery'.
The casualty is William Ellis of the Royal Engineers (died Sept 1918). On the cemetery map, he is located in row F grave number 13.
Regards,
Miss Nicky Walker

Hej hittade en släkting Peter Oliver Kenneth Noren Kipling distriktet 1921. Hans föräldrar var Nels och Anna Norén. Nels var kusin med min farfar... fin sida... mvh Tommy

I have just discovered that this is where my great uncle, Knight Keith of tbe Black Watch, is buried. This is an excellent site and some friends and myself hope to visit the cemetery in a few months time. I do have a photograph of Knight Keith in his uniform and would like to send it to you for inclusion if this is possible.

hi Just found this site by chance and saw you have my GG Uncle Fredrick George Potten Listed here Regt 7612

Thank you Pierre for a wonderful site and for the photos of the grave of Private 3095 James Malachi Oxenham 53rd Battalion AIF who is the son of my great aunt Jane Hurst and Philip Oxenham. I am hoping some of James Malachi Oxenhams descendants see this tribute and contact me as i am researching family history. Neufchatel Hardelot churchyard cemetery looks wonderfully maintained. Cheers Kerry.

Frederick George Carnelley is buried in The Aire Communal Cemetery (pas de Calais) France. He died on 29 JUne 1918 in Flanders.
I am his 6th Cousin twice removed.
Too many died Too Young and so brave.

Very informative site, well done. You may like to add my husbands uncle to your site. Percy Arthur Williams, who was sent to Canada as a young boy after the death of his mother. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army (B/66748) and was killed on the 19/8/1942 aged 20 years and buried at Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery, Hautot-Sur-Mer.

what a great sight ,has helped lots in the last year looking for raistricks who died in the great war,now looking for stories to go with them about their lives in the trenches,would be great if you can help.ie tips and advise.many thanks alan.

Hi I finally found where my Great Grandfather is buried, Thank you
Very sad to see how many lives were taken. R.I.P.. James Wells 2900
Roll of honour 133.

Lest we forget. x

could you send me pictures of my uncle who is buried in braine le comte communal cemertry.Pilot Leslie Foster J/16685. Shot down in Braine Le Comte on July 30th 1944 Lancaster R5728VN-L 50 Squadran Royal Canadian Air Force

i am the neice of private james henry green 8th bn warwickshire regiment died 21 may 1940 aged 21 yrs.
i an his family are very proud of you to us you were and still are a hero fighting and gave your life to make a better life for thosr left behind and future generations.RIP uncle james you may gone but never forgottonxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Pierre. Very pleased to see photo of Harold Kenty Rose's grave in St. Viatre. He was pilot of a Lancaster 106 Squadron out of Metheringham lost May 8, 1944 in Salbris raid. Thank you and the people of France for remembering our loved ones. My wife & I intend to visit the grave in July.

Basil Donald Robinson was my uncle- my mother's younger brother. I have pictures of him which i would be willing to share. I have never seen the grave, but would love to one day.

Thank you for the picture of EC Tanners grave in Prisches. He was my poppy's brother and I have an Auntie named Prisches after him. I also have a sister in law with Prisches as her middle name. We are just starting to find things out about WW1 and our rellies and this is a great start.

iam trying to find . corporal charles graves , killed 18-04-1918 aged 23 , kings own 1st btn service no 1937 ,bob 1895 . can any one help me . regards elaine.

Hi, thank you for sharing your informative website. My relation Eric John LiBeau died on wounds on 29 September 1917, he was a farmhand and died aged 22 yrs young. He is buried at Gwalia cemetery and would really appreciate it if there is a possibility of obtaining a photo of his burial site. Iam researching my family tree and am very interested in completing a booklet of family members that served in the wars so that my family never forget them. May they all RIP.
Thank you Pam, New Zealand

My great great grandfather Philip Bissagar is buried here. His wife Alice moved to Canada in the early 1920's. She is buried in Edmonton, Alberta,CANADA.

Dear Pierre,
Our Uncle Bernard Aubrey Victor Turland of the 4th Battallion Gordon Highlanders, No 4856515 died and was burried in Asse (mollemsebaan) communal cemetery. He was killed in action on the 18th May 1940 and we have been given an account of his death by a local family. A translation of this account is available for anyone to see on ancestry.com. Search for Bernard Aubrey Victor Turland.

Regards,
Sue

Hello Pierre,
I am researching my relation... Charles Teasdale BACON,.... one of the 35 ? casualties who are buried at Neuve Chapelle Farm Cemetery (12.3.1915). Many thanks for your valuable site, and the lovely photo of this tiny cemetery. Is it possible to obtain a copy photo of his actual grave ?

Most Sincerely

Bill Cooper......Cheshire, England.

I visited in October 2010 to see the grave of my great uncle, Stephen E Sampson who died at 19 on 4th April, 1918. It was very moving to be able to visit his grave and see how very well the cemetery is kept. It is a very difficult town to visit if you come from a foreign country and do not have a car.