Guest Posted 24 March , 2014 Share Posted 24 March , 2014 Hello, This is my first message on the Forum. My ancestor Wilfred Varley YOUNG was one of the 58 soldiers who fell at Beaucamps Ligny on the 18th October 1914. Being a relative, I’m aware of the tremendous amount of research that Mel has done on behalf of the BL15 over the past five years and I would like to pass on my thanks and appreciation for all of his hard work. I attended the meeting in Sheffield last Thursday and whilst I was disappointed to learn that Wilfred wasn’t one of the 10 men identified, noting that further MtDNA testing is being carried out, to try and identify the remaining 5 men, I have to remain optimistic that Wilfred may still be identified and buried in a named grave, alongside his comrades of the York and Lancaster Regiment. Whatever the outcome of this continued testing, I will visit France in October and attend the Burial ceremony. R.I.P Wilfred Varley YOUNG From little towns in a far land, we cameTo save our honour, and a world aflameBy little towns in a far land, we sleepAnd trust those things we won, to you to keep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 25 March , 2014 Share Posted 25 March , 2014 Disappointing of course Sara but you will understand that your relative is either already buried in a war cemetery as “Known unto God” or is still on the battlefield where he fell. The situation as I understand it is that of the total in the control group of 58 there are five outstanding DNA donors less the ten successfully matched leaving a total of 43 unmatched DNA data profiles. Regards Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NigelS Posted 25 March , 2014 Share Posted 25 March , 2014 Happily, one of those identified comes from Box Hill Dorking just a few miles from where I live. So a hand-full of soil from that beauty spot may well make the trip with me. Pleased to see that the local press has picked up on the story: 'Remains of Box Hill soldier discovered in France'. Thanks & congratulations to all involved in getting this outcome. NigelS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 31 March , 2014 Share Posted 31 March , 2014 Mail sent to Sue Raftree of JCCC asking what in my opinion is a reasonable question as to whether the unmatched DNA profiles (Not swabs) are to be retained with the permission of the donors in the event that other similar discoveries are made, with as now a predictable response, nothing! Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 1 April , 2014 Share Posted 1 April , 2014 The CWGC April 2014 newsletter contains an article on the BL-15 perhaps it would also be a good idea to now post the date, venue and time of the reburial service in October 2014 on their website since that has now been confirmed. It is only mentioned as “October”. Link to article http://www.cwgc.org/media/190885/first_world_war_servicemen_identified.pdf Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 4 April , 2014 Share Posted 4 April , 2014 Delighted to receive confirmation from the JCCC today that the DNA data profiles will be retained. Thank you for your email dated 1 April regarding the retention of the DNA profiles taken from the families of the 15 soldiers found at Beaucamps Ligny. This information will be kept indefinitely by our Forensics specialists. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankyboy77 Posted 5 April , 2014 Share Posted 5 April , 2014 Hi Norman I for one are very pleased to here that the DNA sample are to be retained, after all that was gone through to get the DNA accepted , I for one will be keeping a eye on the situation ,in case ????? Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 6 April , 2014 Share Posted 6 April , 2014 Frank we cannot know what will happen in the future but you and the other relatives whose loved ones were not identified this time can take comfort that should a similar situation arise in the area even if it involves only one soldier then I believe that the onus will be on the MOD to utilize the data in an attempt at identification. The mail from Sue Raftree indicates to me that we have come a long way on these issues and hopefully what has been achieved will set the pattern for the future but as with most things people need to remain vigilant and question the authorities if and when the occasion arises Best Wishes Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 22 October , 2014 Share Posted 22 October , 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianw Posted 22 October , 2014 Share Posted 22 October , 2014 It's been a long road, but very gratifying that these men are honoured today - some even better with named graves. The GWF certainly had some influence in securing this end result. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 22 October , 2014 Share Posted 22 October , 2014 Correct Ian and everybody who supported and worked towards that which culminated in the excellent and moving ceremony that took place today in France can congratulate themselves on a job well done for their efforts did not go unrewarded. If any proof was needed that it was all worth while then the comments by the Grandson of one of the fallen broadcast by the BBC should be proof enough An excellent article here in the Daily Mail which to its great credit was to my knowledge the only UK national daily to originally report the discovery of the 15 fallen soldiers: Article http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2802959/finally-laid-rest-100-years-moving-ceremony-15-british-wwi-heroes-buried-northern-france-century-killed-action.html Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peterhastie Posted 22 October , 2014 Share Posted 22 October , 2014 http://ww1.canada.com/after-the-war/images-15-british-soldiers-from-the-first-world-war-are-reburied-in-france Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
towisuk Posted 23 October , 2014 Share Posted 23 October , 2014 Bad weather across the North Sea delayed my ferry, eventually arrived on berth one and a half hours late.... So rather than getting to Y Farm cemetery late and in the middle of the burial ceremonies, I went when it was all over and most of the attendees had left. I'm glad I made the effort, seeing how much work the CWGC and its workers had put in to the area around the grave, and being able to pay my respects to the BL fifteen.... regards Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
towisuk Posted 23 October , 2014 Share Posted 23 October , 2014 Just another to show the CWGC staff winding up proceedings...... Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 23 October , 2014 Share Posted 23 October , 2014 Thanks Tom nice to see the place when all the people have left after a very moving ceremony. In fact perhaps the time to visit is now and to spend a few moments in quiet contemplation on the events of 100 years ago that eventually lead to here. Private John Richmond His epitaph "He fell and was lost, but now he is found Rest in peace at last His life given so that we might be free" * NOT FORGOTTEN Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianw Posted 23 October , 2014 Share Posted 23 October , 2014 Very much looking forward to a quiet visit later this year when they will have settled in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankyboy77 Posted 28 October , 2014 Share Posted 28 October , 2014 To All At Great War Forum I want to thank you all for what you have done,its been a long time since they were found, and at long last they are at Peace . I and my family are still hopeing that our Grandad will be found (ONE DAY). I went to the ceremony, I was very moved.I layed a wreath ,for all the (KNOWN ONLY TO GOD ) Frank for Larrett Roebuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianw Posted 28 October , 2014 Share Posted 28 October , 2014 To All At Great War Forum I want to thank you all for what you have done,its been a long time since they were found, and at long last they are at Peace . I and my family are still hopeing that our Grandad will be found (ONE DAY). I went to the ceremony, I was very moved.I layed a wreath ,for all the (KNOWN ONLY TO GOD ) Frank for Larrett Roebuck We all share you wish that your Grandad's remains may be found - hopefully next to those of my Great Uncle. Thanks for your wreath laying. Good wishes Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 29 October , 2014 Share Posted 29 October , 2014 Glad you made the ceremony Frank and laid a wreath for Larretts mates. Best wishes Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBI Posted 2 November , 2014 Share Posted 2 November , 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBI Posted 2 November , 2014 Share Posted 2 November , 2014 Sorry for the Belated Postings of My Photos.As a Footnote a certain Member of the 10th Essex Dressing up Brigade turned up,and was asked to leave the Cemetery by CWGC and The Army until the Service was over,when he realised he wasnt going to be the Centre of Attention and get photographed he left promptly.So much for paying his respects.Why not just turn up wearing Civvies like everone else ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 2 November , 2014 Share Posted 2 November , 2014 Excellent photos Russ and I totally agree with your comments about reenactors at reburial services for our war dead. Having seen some excellent reenactors at Bovington on the 4th August 2014 I sincerely believe that there is a time and place for them but NEVER at a funeral for the discovered dead and I was VERY pleased to see that both the CWGC and MOD took the action that they did in order to preserve the dignity and respect due to the 15. Best wishes Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankyboy77 Posted 5 November , 2014 Share Posted 5 November , 2014 Hi ALL ( Norman) Can you help me ? Has any one been to Y Farm ,since the re internment ,as I have been asked .If the wreath from Huddersfield Town football club,managed to get there. As it did not arrive while we were their ,If by any chance could they send me a photo of the wreath ,so I can put it with my remeberance photo ,of our grandad Please!!!!.??? I live in hope that at least one ,Of the Great War Forum will have been or is going in the near future ? Best Wishes Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBI Posted 6 November , 2014 Share Posted 6 November , 2014 I am in the Kemmelberg Area next week,Weather and Time permitting I will TRY and go there for you Frank..once again it depends on the Time I have and the Weather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankyboy77 Posted 11 November , 2014 Share Posted 11 November , 2014 PBI Thanks hope weather okay for you Sorry for late reply been round family with my report, Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now