This is a house in Low Ham which always makes me stop and ponder a while. In 1917 Robert and Florence Mead lived here, a "quiet farming couple" , and their two sons were in France fighting in the "Great War". Then in early August they received the news every parent of young sons dreaded at that time .... they heard that their elder son, James, had been killed in action on 5th August 1917. The grieving couple held a memorial service for James in High Ham church, but during the service the postman came to deliver a telegram giving them the news that their younger son, Champion, had also been killed - a week before James.
I just can't imagine the pain and grief of that poor couple. Neither of their sons were married, and they had no other children. No one to carry on the family name, no one to work the family farm....
There is a memorial plaque on the wall of High Ham church:
Lance Corporal James Robert Uttermare Mead, 7th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry who died age 26 on 5th August 1917
Also Gunner Thomas Champion Denham Mead 17th Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery, who died age 24 on 29th July 1917
Loved and only children of Robert and Florence Mead, of Low Ham
A fabulous picture and a heart breaking story. But I loved the picture before I read the story. The straight lines contrasting with the curves and that great pop of colour. Fav.
