Thought some might like to gather info... For me, 1 July is a reminder of my great-uncle's demise on the first day of the 1916 Battle of the Somme Obvs I didn't know him, but (as mentioned elsewhere) my favourite oldie, my grandfather, was next to him when he was killed. Tough times indeed. For anyone with war-dead interest, the CWGC is the place to find them. I did another poignant search for my uncle ages ago to see where he ended up after his Lancaster bomber went down. I have his flight log, which simply states "Failed to return"...
https://www.subsim.com/subsim-book-review-private-beatsons-war/ A relative. Or I suppose an ancestor. Died on the Somme, 1916. My dad - who had the same name, though I doubt he was named for him - and my sister were raving about it, must be 15 - 20 years ago. I never read it. Maybe it's time I did.
Stayed in Albert for a couple of days last month. Had my push bike in the van so went for a mooch. Beyond fascinating. And tragic of course. I’ve read loads on WW1. I’m definitely going back for a more in depth tour… Managed a look round the Thiepval museum. Started to lash down so high tailed it back to my hotel. Got satched… cool rain down the arse crack satched… reminded me of my childhood So many headstones read 1st July 1916. That morning doesn’t bear thinking about…
took my dad to visit his dads grave recently my grandad was part of a tunnelling gang in loos, he died 1978, my dad was born 1936, cant be many men left who can say their dad was in WW1 we went to Ypres a few weeks ago, lovely lovely town. the Menin gate at 8PM when they play the last post was very moving, until some silly cnts started to applaud and it was all for nothing
This from our 2018 visit. Ploegsteert and Newfoundland Park. If you are ever riding in the area regardless of interests then Newfoundland Park is a must see location. You will never forget. The young Newfoundlanders who staff the park are incredibly informative and the tour again is a must do. Two great uncles lie in those fields, one never found from the expeditionary force and one buried where he fell at 0730 on 01 07 1916 in the Somme. Thanks and thoughts for all those who have and are serving. Upt.
