Seadog Posted 6 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 6 June , 2016 Resisted a good photo Toby, then what to you call that one its perfect was there any sign of the entrances or have they all disappeared by now? When first I saw a stokes round I thought is was an old moped exhaust as having stopped the car I stepped out right onto it. After a few excellent beers in Le Tommy the then owner thought he would demonstrate how safe these were so getting one from his collection he proceeded the bash it against the fireplace which contained (Autumn) a roaring fire!. After many more visits I became a little ( not a lot) more knowledgeable Here are the then owners, sure some members will recognise them Cheers Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 7 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 7 June , 2016 "And did you leave a wife or a sweetheart behind In some faithful heart is your memory enshrined? And, though you died back in 1916, To that loyal heart are you always 19? Or are you a stranger without even a name, Forever enshrined behind some glass pane, In an old photograph, torn and tattered and stained, And fading to yellow in a brown wooden frame?" From.................. The Green Fields of France https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxkhBvO8_kM I believe that Harry J Wood the lad in the photo survived and he is portrayed here as an example of all those old photos that still exist in rooms and attics the photo is dated early in 1916. His cap badge is that of the South African Infantry that fought so well and suffered many casualties in the battle for Delville Wood on the Somme. Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horrocks Posted 7 June , 2016 Share Posted 7 June , 2016 Thank you Norman. I likewise thought the Stokes round was a piece of broken iron gate, potentially dangerous for cattle, so I gave it a good kick to release it from the earth! I have no doubt that, being in chalk, Kentish Caves are still there, lurking under the field above. Curiosity makes me wonder if there are any trench maps that show where the entrances were, however one can be sure that they now lie beneath a finely tilled arable field. I wouldn't have thought they would have been in the face of the bluff due to its partial exposure to the German lines. Your story about the former owner of Le Tommy - I can't help but ask if there was any relationship between his relaxed attitude to old munitions and his missing hand? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 7 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 7 June , 2016 We always thought that Toby but it was apparently caused by an industrial accident, they were a super couple I and no doubt many others have fond memories of this place, by the way it was named the "Burma Star Café" and there was a small but interesting collection in the basement. Example As you say it would be good to know where the entrances were to Kentish Caves and perhaps a member can help plus a photo if that is possible. Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 7 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 7 June , 2016 Martinsart British War Cemetery Situated on high ground across the Ancre Valley from Thiepval this cemetery was begun at the end of June, 1916 when 14 men of the 13th Royal Irish Rifles, 36th (Ulster) Division killed by a shell were buried in what is now Plot I, Row A. The headstones here are unusual in that they are of sandstone installed at a time when the CWGC were experimenting with various types of stone CWGC http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/18100/MARTINSART%20BRITISH%20CEMETERY Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 8 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 8 June , 2016 Death Valley Mametz WW1 With Mametz Wood on the left and the Bazentin Ridge on the skyline, this was where thousands of Britsh troops and transports moved towards the Ridge during the battle. At the centre rear is Flat Iron Copse War Cemetery. ID Disc found in the field to the left https://www.flickr.com/photos/glosters/4394246593 Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 9 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 9 June , 2016 Relics of the Somme In Pozieres From: High Wood Philip Johnstone (1918) You are requested kindly not to touch Or take away the Company's property As souvenirs; you'll find we have on sale A large variety, all guaranteed. As I was saying, all is as it was, This is an unknown British officer, The tunic having lately rotted off. Please follow me - this way ... the path, sir, please Link https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/nov/14/high-wood-philip-johnstone Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 9 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 9 June , 2016 Pozieres 1916 and 1938 from Vol 1 "Twenty Years After" Image https://www.flickr.com/photos/glosters/27565553995/in/dateposted/ The site of the windmill & Australian Memorial Image https://www.flickr.com/photos/glosters/3788704774 Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 10 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 10 June , 2016 GOMMECOURT Image link https://www.flickr.com/photos/glosters/27575651345/in/dateposted/ "... assist in the operations of the Fourth Army by diverting against itself the fire of artillery and infantry which might otherwise be directed against the left flank of the main attack near Serre". Image link https://www.flickr.com/photos/glosters/4595924193/in/photolist-J1Lqqz-Hf4ogL-H7Nwdz-xZZdHQ-y8BLUE-t9de8U-sk7csu-tejNfS-nWJhNY-818j9i-35iPSJ Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 10 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 10 June , 2016 Image https://www.flickr.com/photos/glosters/27543462486/in/dateposted/ Original postcard Authuille War Cemetery on the battlefield of the Somme is located on sloping ground which dips down to the River Ancre which had the misfortune to flow through this blood-soaked land There are now over 450, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, nearly 40 are unidentified and special memorials are erected to 18 soldiers from the United Kingdom, known or believed to be buried among them. The graves of two other German soldiers have been removed. REMEMBER THE SOMME 1916 - 2016 Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 11 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 11 June , 2016 Lonsdale War Cemetery The trees at the rear mark the tip of the German position known as the Leipzig Salient the objective on the 1st July 1916 and in this cemetery rests Serjeant Turnbull of the Highland Light Infantry who was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during the attack on that position. "For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, when, having with his party captured a post apparently of great importance to the enemy, he was subjected to severe counter-attacks, which were continuous throughout the whole day. Although his party was wiped out and replaced several times during the day, Serjeant Turnbull never wavered in his determination to hold the post, the loss of which would have been very serious. Almost, single-handed, he maintained his position, and displayed the highest degree of valour and skill in the performance of his duties. Later in the day this very gallant soldier was killed whilst bombing a counter-attack from the parados of our trench." http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/532453/TURNBULL,%20JAMES%20YUILL FOR VALOUR Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 11 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 11 June , 2016 Blighty Valley Cemetery in early Autumn Blighty Valley was the name given by the Army to the lower part of the deep valley running down South-Westward through Authuile Wood to join the river between Authuile and Aveluy; a railway was carried along it soon after July, 1916, and it was for some time an important (though inevitably a dangerous) route. The upper part of the valley was called Nab Valley. Blighty Valley Cemetery is almost at the mouth of the valley, a little way up its northern bank. It is partly in either commune. http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/18500/BLIGHTY%20VALLEY%20CEMETERY,%20AUTHUILLE%20WOOD A comment on this image "My great uncle, from 6th Bn. Royal berkshire Regiment is buried on the far side. I visited in Easter 2008 on a bleak, cold, windy and snowy day and was thankful for the modern comforts of warm, dry clothes and shoes. I was mindful of the extreme cold and discomforts our ancestors had to endure, even before being shot at and shelled. Heroes all!" Through Nab Valley and into the wood and the trenches facing Thiepval attacked on that momentous morning by the 11th battalion of the Border Regiment (The Lonsdales) LEST WE FORGET Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 11 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 11 June , 2016 LEGACY Top: Near Courcelette L to R Stokes shells near Ginchy High Wood Thiepval Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Regiano Posted 12 June , 2016 Share Posted 12 June , 2016 Lonsdale War Cemetery The trees at the rear mark the tip of the German position known as the Leipzig Salient the objective on the 1st July 1916 and in this cemetery rests Serjeant Turnbull of the Highland Light Infantry who was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during the attack on that position. "For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, when, having with his party captured a post apparently of great importance to the enemy, he was subjected to severe counter-attacks, which were continuous throughout the whole day. Although his party was wiped out and replaced several times during the day, Serjeant Turnbull never wavered in his determination to hold the post, the loss of which would have been very serious. Almost, single-handed, he maintained his position, and displayed the highest degree of valour and skill in the performance of his duties. Later in the day this very gallant soldier was killed whilst bombing a counter-attack from the parados of our trench." http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/532453/TURNBULL,%20JAMES%20YUILL FOR VALOUR Norman Norman. Happened to take a photo of his grave when visiting Lonsdale Cemetery last month. Here it is. Regards. Reg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 13 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 13 June , 2016 Thanks for posting the image Reg, this will be a familiar view to those who have walked the path from the memorial, the tip of the Leipzig Salient with the disused quarry on the right. Norman PS: I highly recommend this walk from the Memorial to Lonsdale Cemetery, through the wood to Nab and Blighty Valley then to the river and Authuile followed by a visit to the war cemetery. Keep an eye open for sights such as this: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 13 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 13 June , 2016 Found on the surface of the field in front of the wood. This was fitted inside the rifle butt and coming across the years it makes a direct connection to the British soldiers who fought here. High Wood Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 15 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 15 June , 2016 Purchased in the shop/café of the South African Memorial and Museum in the wood. On the right "A HANDBOOK ON RIFLE AND HAND GRENADES" Major G M Ainslie 1917 Delville Wood Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inkerger Posted 15 June , 2016 Share Posted 15 June , 2016 I m not sure whether this in the right place, but I guess that Keith will move it if it is not. I am the editor of Charlie May's diaries, TO FIGHT ALONGSIDE FRIENDS: THE FIRST WORLD WAR DIARIES OF CHARLIE MAY. It is gratifying to read of the interest in Charlie, who died on 1 July 1916, from many members of this forum. You might like to know that his diaries have been selected to be read at the overnight vigil at Westminster Abbey on 30 June, and again at the international commemoration at Thiepval on the following day. These events will be broadcast by the BBC. Gerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbriscoe Posted 15 June , 2016 Share Posted 15 June , 2016 I picked up a leaflet about this talk in the Highland Archive. Battle of the Somme – Talk by Ruaraidh Adams-Cairns Quote When: 30/06/2016 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Where:The Highlanders Museum Cost: £10.00 Join us at the Highlanders’ Museum on Thursday 30th June as we commemorate the centenary of the battle of the Somme. Historian and former Queen’s Own Highlander, Ruaraidh Adams-Cairns will talk about the battle and the role played by the Highlanders who were in and out the front line for the full 5 months of the Somme conflict. This event includes wine and nibbles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 15 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 15 June , 2016 Thanks for posting the two events here, this is exactly the right place for them and I look forward to seeing posts on all subjects related to the Battle of the Somme. Beaumont Hamel Wild Mountain Thyme https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l9uJO9yOaQ REMEMBER THE HIGHLAND DIVISION Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 16 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 16 June , 2016 WW1 German War Cemetery Fricourt Of the 17,000 burials at Fricourt only 5,057 German soldiers have an individual grave. Of these, 114 soldiers are unidentified. The remains of 11,970 soldiers lie in four communal graves (Gemeinschaftsgräber). Of these the names of 6,477 remain unknown. The names of those who are known to be buried in the communal graves are inscribed on metal tablets at the rear of the cemetery. Image (Zoomable) https://www.flickr.com/photos/glosters/27092050433/in/dateposted/ Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richardIII Posted 16 June , 2016 Share Posted 16 June , 2016 Brilliant, A wonderful series of pictures with a tremendous "atmosphere", happily I will be there again in another week, Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 16 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 16 June , 2016 Thanks for your comment Richard, have a great time on this hallowed ground where every step you take is walking through history. Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveMarsdin Posted 16 June , 2016 Share Posted 16 June , 2016 Some wonderful photos, Norman, please keep posting. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted 16 June , 2016 Author Share Posted 16 June , 2016 Sunken Road and 2nd Canadian War Cemeteries The Sunken Road and at the top the 2nd Canadian War Cemeteries, Contalmaison, These are true battlefield cemeteries made during the battle of the Somme. With the exception of a few soldiers from the Australian Infantry all of the soldiers buried in the Sunken Road War Cemetery are Canadian from a mixture of regiments. The Sunken Road Cemetery was made in July-October, 1916, during the middle fighting in the Somme offensive. There are now over 200, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, a small number are unidentified and three Australian graves, which cannot be located, are represented by special memorials The 2nd Canadian Cemetery was made in July-October, 1916, during the middle fighting in the Somme offensive. There are now over 40, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. With the exception of two names for which no regiment is specified, all the soldiers buried here are from the Canadian Eastern Ontario Regiment, REMEMBER THE SOMME REMEMBER THE CANADIANS Norman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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