Auimfo Posted 18 July , 2006 Posted 18 July , 2006 Some of you may have followed an earlier thread posted by one of our members 'sharonmaud' regarding her finding the original metal grave plaque that had been attached to the original timber cross over the grave of Private Andrew WILKINSON, 13th Light Trench Mortar Battery, AIF. He had been killed in France on 24/03/1917 after an accident whilst training with a Stokes Mortar and was buried in Dantzig Alley Cemetery. See the original thread here: Well today marked the culmination of their efforts to find Andrew's relatives, when I was given the honour of presenting the plaque along with a copy of Andrew's service records to his nephew Len Wilkinson and other members of the Wilkinson family. To say they were overwhelmed by the kindness of Sharon and her husband is an understatement. They could not imagine that someone from the other side of the world cared so much about the memory of their uncle and asked me to make known their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all who were involved. I think all of us should give the Maud's a big pat on the back and congratulate them on achieving the monumental task they'd set themselves. Sharon, You will be pleased to know that Len and the Wilkinson family are the most wonderful 'down to earth' people you could ever meet. As soon as we met, it felt like I was one of the family and we chatted and laughed for over three hours. Len will be writing to you very soon and I think you'll find that if ever you're down in Aus he'll insist you stay with him in Hamilton for at least a night. He's already booked my wife and I for a stay in the very near future (and wouldn't take no for an answer!!). They also insisted on giving me a gift of a bottle of red. I'll raise a glass to you both and the efforts you've gone to. My one regret is that I could only manage one photo of Len before for some unknown reason my camera fried itself. Nevertheless, a job well done. Tim L.
IanA Posted 18 July , 2006 Posted 18 July , 2006 Tim, What a heartwarming story and what a satisfactory outcome. I joined after the original thread but am pleased to have read it now. I bought the German grave marker, some years ago, of a musketier Vogelsang (who has a known grave). I normally consider such relics a bit gruesome but couldn't resist such a sweet name (Birdsong)! I wonder (given the fact that I don't speak German) what the odds are of finding his relatives and returning the plaque? Ian
John_Hartley Posted 18 July , 2006 Posted 18 July , 2006 What a cracking tale (which I confess to not having followed to closely onthe other thread). The cemetery is a special place for me as it's the main burial area for the 90th Brigade "Manchester Pals" from 1 July 1916. I've now another reason to visit. Tim - you're quite good at this investigative lark. Ever thought of taking it up professionally. John
Auimfo Posted 18 July , 2006 Author Posted 18 July , 2006 What, and get paid for it.....now there's a thought.
shaymen Posted 18 July , 2006 Posted 18 July , 2006 Well done ALL A great end to what was a great thread. Nice one Glyn
Neil Mackenzie Posted 20 July , 2006 Posted 20 July , 2006 Well done everyone. I also missed this thread first time around so glad to have caught it this time. Neil
frev Posted 21 July , 2006 Posted 21 July , 2006 Tim & Sharon Congratulations once again on such a great effort - and Tim, commiserations on the camera frying - don't you just hate 'Murphy's Law'! Sharon - I had the honour of meeting Tim recently - and as you've no doubt already guessed - I can assure you that he too is a very 'down to earth' person, extremely friendly & genuine............which is quite odd really - when you consider his real profession! (I hope I won't get arrested for saying that) This is the stuff that gives us hope and belief in our humanity - the same stuff that Andrew fought & died for. Cheers, Frev
SHARONCMAUD Posted 13 August , 2006 Posted 13 August , 2006 Some of you may have followed an earlier thread posted by one of our members 'sharonmaud' regarding her finding the original metal grave plaque that had been attached to the original timber cross over the grave of Private Andrew WILKINSON, 13th Light Trench Mortar Battery, AIF. He had been killed in France on 24/03/1917 after an accident whilst training with a Stokes Mortar and was buried in Dantzig Alley Cemetery. See the original thread here: http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...c=48458&hl= Well today marked the culmination of their efforts to find Andrew's relatives, when I was given the honour of presenting the plaque along with a copy of Andrew's service records to his nephew Len Wilkinson and other members of the Wilkinson family. To say they were overwhelmed by the kindness of Sharon and her husband is an understatement. They could not imagine that someone from the other side of the world cared so much about the memory of their uncle and asked me to make known their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all who were involved. I think all of us should give the Maud's a big pat on the back and congratulate them on achieving the monumental task they'd set themselves. Sharon, You will be pleased to know that Len and the Wilkinson family are the most wonderful 'down to earth' people you could ever meet. As soon as we met, it felt like I was one of the family and we chatted and laughed for over three hours. Len will be writing to you very soon and I think you'll find that if ever you're down in Aus he'll insist you stay with him in Hamilton for at least a night. He's already booked my wife and I for a stay in the very near future (and wouldn't take no for an answer!!). They also insisted on giving me a gift of a bottle of red. I'll raise a glass to you both and the efforts you've gone to. My one regret is that I could only manage one photo of Len before for some unknown reason my camera fried itself. Nevertheless, a job well done. Tim L. Guess What - I'm crying again....having spoken on the phone it was lovely to see his face, so touched I'm making another donation to this site, it has never ceased to amaze me - and without it and Tim this would NEVER have happened, I am eternally grateful to everyone who helped me in our quest, Dominic at Tommys Bar, the lovely couple at The Ulster Monument, Dawn and Phillipe(Thiepval), Brian Gibson of Mash Valley a true dear friend who knows how to make anyone welcome, the Great War Forum and finally Tim at Auminfo, I still feel that Andrew J wanted it found and is smiling now at the outcome, the tears are blinding my vision now, Thank you everybody, I had missed this thread, so glad I got to read it and see Leonard. Three cheers to Tim ...HIP HIP..........HOORAY.....HIP HIP......HOORAY....HIP HIP HOORAY...For he IS a Jolly Good Fellow......KISSES
Peter Beckett Posted 14 August , 2006 Posted 14 August , 2006 Tim, Well done! Have you thought about transferring to the department that wears white shirts? Good on you, mate Peter
ianw Posted 14 August , 2006 Posted 14 August , 2006 Well done to all concerned. Magnificent. I will certainly visit that aussie when I am on the Somme in September.
Bernard_Lewis Posted 14 August , 2006 Posted 14 August , 2006 A wonderful story. Well done all. Bernard
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