Sally B Posted 2 September , 2013 Posted 2 September , 2013 Several months ago I started researching the 13 men from our village who died in WW1 and posted several topics asking for help. One of our soldiers who was in the Grenadier Guards, emigrated to Canada and at the start of WW1 joined the CEF. As a direct result of one of you pointing me in the direction of the Canadian Expeditionary Force Forum site and my searching Canadian Census & Voting lists I have made contact with our soldiers' Gt Gt Grandson who lives in Canada and who did not know about his Gt Gt Grandfather's military career or even that he had lived in Canada. When I contacted him he said he had a box in his basement that belonged to his Father with 'some bits & pieces' in it. A month down the line and last night he sent me copies of the letter from the Canadian War Dept. informing his wife of his death, photos, certificates etc. and has said he will let Our History Society have the originals even his Gt Gt Grandfathers wedding photograph (he did not know who it was until he contacted us!) He is even happy to send us the medals he found which will be a fantastic addition to our WW1 archives. What treasure and how honoured we feel that he is entrusting us with these precious items. So a very, very big thank you to all of you that have answered my questions and pointed me in the right direction. If any of you are near Eltisley in Cambridgeshire next August (date tba) drop in and see our exhibition.
Lancashire Fusilier Posted 2 September , 2013 Posted 2 September , 2013 A wonderful end to a chance encounter on the GWF.
Pighills Posted 2 September , 2013 Posted 2 September , 2013 Nice story. Nice ending. Thanks for posting.
Ron Clifton Posted 2 September , 2013 Posted 2 September , 2013 Well done! I often think that, in some strange way, these soldiers want their stories to be known and told, and are helping us from beyond the grave. It is amazing to find cases, time afdter time, where a bit of luck like this has led to a major breakthrough in someone's research. WFA Cambs Branch would, I am sure, be interested in learning more about the story, and seeing some of the mementoes. Ron
Sally B Posted 2 September , 2013 Author Posted 2 September , 2013 Ron, If Cambs WFA Branch look at Eltisley History Society's web page, the contact details are there.
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