Soldier Record

This was my maternal Grandad and he lived with us for many years.

Served from Dec 1915. Festubert.Ypres.Iser Canal.Poelkappel.Trones Wood (Somme.Canal du Nord 1918 )

In response to requests to "tell us about the war" he regaled us with many tales almost invariably funny. His story"the night Shorty fell in the shell hole" is reprinted on the Great War Forum. Rarely did he talk about the horror.

He taught me (to my mothers despair) many of the songs they sang - with the RIGHT words. Even today I can't help smiling when I hear certain hymn tunes and the words the lads put to them.He was wounded 3 times and suffered for the rest of his life. As a young man I can remember on odd occaisions my father helping remove tiny pieces of metal from his shoulder, the remains of his brass regimental name plate! I have visted many places on the Western Front he spoke of and walked the trench line where he went over the top at Trones Wood. I am pleased I had the opportunity to share part of his life and honour his memory. One of my greatest regrets is that we did not take him back to France before he died to see how his comrades were remembered.