Private John Duff

I spent the day at dad's yesterday, looking through old photos and looking for some to send to our new-found, long-lost relatives in Australia.

Whilst doing this, I came across this very sad card in memory of dad's uncle, Private John Duff, killed in Delville Wood, France, during WW1. It touched my heart. I knew the story of this man, but to see his young face so clearly, and to think that he was younger than my son is today, just pulls at the heartstrings. What these young men saw and experienced must have been horrific. May he rest in peace.

Sorry you will have to tilt your head to read the text, but I preferred to have the photo the right way round.

[Nova]

A touching tribute Issi.

[Shanne]

that's so sad - I taught WW1 poetry for a while (English GCSE) and read around WW1 - the whole thing was sad

[Dawn]

A touching tribute

[Chocolate Socks]

RIP Pte Duff. Thank you for your service and sacrifice, sir.

[Henri Russell]

A very touching tribute for this brave young man.

[Kim]

RIP Private Duff

[Bep]

Very touching, Issi.

[bkb in the city]

Great find

[Margaret Brown]

A touching tribute, he was only a boy, how sad.

[Taffy]

So poignant -- he was so young!

[Margo Sayer]

Some years ago we visited the War Graves in Normandy. I've always found cemeteries/graveyards positive places to visit. These were no exception. I felt privileged to be there, yet perhaps inaccessible to family members for a host of reasons. The thing that impressed me most was a contingent of young military personnel from Allied Forces in Europe acting as guides and answering questions When I spoke to one such he explained how honoured he felt to be there, amongst comrades who had made the ultimate sacrifice and how he felt proud to be in their resting presence. He made my day.

[Denise Wood]

What a golden find and so touching for you and your family. We owe our free and wonderful life to these men and boys who fought for us. R.I.P Pte John Duff.

[Denise (lyndemc)]

I can imagine studying the young face on the paper and thinking about what he went through, and how the world was changed because of his service.

[Kathy]

Interesting to read through family history and stories. So glad that so many were willing or perhaps just did what they had to do for those of us who live long afterward.

[Islandgirl]

What a great find...........a lovely tribute!

[Issi Bannerman]

@s4sayer Yes, I did a tour of the WWI sites in France a few years ago with my dad and brothers, and we were fortunate enough to be able to see the memorial with dad's uncle's name on it. A very sobering experience, but worth doing, for sure. We must never forget.