100 years ago today my granddads younger brother John aged 22 year was killed in the first few minutes of the battle of the Somme that started at 7:30 am 1st July 1916, our thoughts are with you today John R.I.P.
1) Official war graves certificate in Memory of Private John Coulson
2) The wave of Ceramic Poppies that cascaded out the Tower of London in 2014, now on display in the Castle grounds Lincoln to commemorate the fallen at the battle of the Somme.
3) A small service held this morning in my village to remember the local men that fell in the battle of the Somme each mans name was read out then a wreath laid by the Mayor of Calderdale for the fallen of the Somme
@quietpurplehaze Thank you for your kind words Hazel, must have been a terrible time for all families waiting for news, then learning their loved ones will never return home, you can see why it was a special day today and Rachel was posted on Thursday been planning to do something special for John Coulson for some time:)
@dide Thank you so much Dianne your comments they are appreciated, as I stated above went to a some service today for the fallen from our village at the battle of the Somme each name was read out and the ages ranged from 18 to 28 years old:)
What a wonderful tribute you have created Peter. He fought for such a short time for his country, but his bravery and short life will never be forgotten thanks to family members like you. fav
A very special Friday people day. What a lovely tribute.
David's grandad was at the Battle of the Somme. He left for war as a catholic and came home an atheist. He said he could no longer believe in a God who had sent so many to hell and back.
It was a lovely & poignant post & it's been on my mind the image of John dying inthe first few minutes of battle. Unbelievable & such a waste of a young life. And we have learnt - just nothing.
@gilbertwood Thanks for your lovely comments Denise John actually enlisted on the 4th April 1914 seven days after the outbreak of war, we don't know but suspect he had already been into battle before his death:)
@quietpurplehaze Thank you Hazel, such a sacrifice in many cases whole communities wiped out as in the case pals companies and families devastated by loss, also the returning soldiers changed for ever, and your right we still have not learned the harsh lessons:)
Thank you for your comments Julia, I had to wait ages to get a people free capture, the ceramic poppies are on temporary display in Lincoln Castle until 4th September 2016 then on to another location and will be on display around the UK until being put on permanent display in the Imperial War Museum:)
David's grandad was at the Battle of the Somme. He left for war as a catholic and came home an atheist. He said he could no longer believe in a God who had sent so many to hell and back.
It was a lovely & poignant post & it's been on my mind the image of John dying inthe first few minutes of battle. Unbelievable & such a waste of a young life. And we have learnt - just nothing.