Trench Lincs 13th July 2025
- trenchlincs
- 12 hours ago
- 21 min read
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Good Morning,
Don’t the Sundays come around quickly! It is difficult to believe that we are now halfway through July and it is now less than a month until my son, Robert, and his family arrive from Australia. An event that we all are eagerly waiting for.
Today’s Trench Lincs contains news of the regular speaker events in our area and what should be two excellent events coming up in King’s Lynn and Leicester, as well as reader’s photos of memorials that they have spotted on their travels.
I hope you enjoy the read?
FORTHCOMING EVENTS.
The East Midlands (Nottingham) WFA Branch meets again on Friday 8th August at 7.30pm at St. Peter’s Church Hall, Church Street, Ruddington, Nottingham, NG11 6HA. All welcome.
Roy Larkin will speak about – “London’s Busses That Stayed At Home.”
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Next Meeting – Spalding & South Lincs Branch WFA – Thursday, July 24th – Spalding Baptist Church, Swan Street, Spalding, PE11 1BT - Doors open 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Jerry Porter presents “Good Night Darling – God Bless You – Heaps of Love, Mother”.
'Good night darling – God bless you – Heaps of love, Mother’ written and presented by Jerry Porter, with additional narration by Kay Porter. We often hear of the men who fought and died in WW1, but it’s less common to focus on their loved ones. This talk tells the story of a mother (Jerry’s great grandmother) who lost a son. Based on a wealth of primary source letters, photos and artefacts passed down in the family, it illustrates her life on the home front, two of her sons’ preparations for deployment overseas, the younger one’s brief service in the front line and his mother’s perhaps surprising reaction to the news that he has been killed in action. It also covers her own experience of coming under enemy attack, and her visits to France in the early 1920s to visit her son’s grave. An intensely personal account, it nevertheless gives universal insights into war, family and loss.
What audiences have said: “A very moving and captivating first-hand account by a mother and two of her sons, of their experiences during WW1. The mother was Jerry’s great grandmother and the sons were his grandfather’s brothers. The use of contemporary newspaper reports, artefacts from the son killed on his first day in the trenches and the juxtaposition of speakers, where Jerry’s wife read the mother’s letters, added depth and authenticity to the presentation. Everyone I spoke to afterwards both really enjoyed and was deeply moved by the talk. Jerry brought home the meaning of ‘killed in action’ and how those at home were involved. I would thoroughly recommend this talk to everyone with an interest in the Great War”. “Superbly researched and very professionally delivered account of a mother's experience in WW1. Told with great empathy which was reinforced by Mrs Porter reading the words of the mother's letters. Excellent evening, thank you Jerry and Mrs Porter”. “Great talk and evening out. … a really outstanding talk at our seminar. The whole talk - content, PowerPoint and delivery - was excellent”.
Jerry Porter’s interest in WW1 was sparked as a child by listening to his grandfather's experiences as a very young gunner in France, and later by frequent visits to the battlefields of France and Belgium with his father. After a career in UK intelligence and security, with emphasis on support to military operations, Jerry now has time to devote to research and analysis on the four members of his family who served in WW1, three who survived and one who was killed in action in 1918. Jerry is now based in Huntingdon, Cambs.
Spalding Branch meets in a pleasant ante-room of Spalding Baptist Church, which is located on Swan Street in the town centre. On-street parking can be found outside the church. Doors open 7.00pm for 7.30pm start, but, please note that, as the front door cannot be monitored from the meeting room, you may need to ring the doorbell to gain access. Free refreshments will be served at the end of the meeting. Please do come along and join us for this highly recommended talk; you will be made very welcome.
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In addition, please find advance notice of the Spalding and South Lincs August outing.
Spalding Branch August Day Out - Saturday, August 16th - Lord Lovats Scouts Trenches + RNAS/RFC/RAF Sedgeford
Spalding Branch WFA have organised a visit on Saturday, August 16th, to the site of some Great War Traning Trenches created by the Lord Lovat Scouts. The site, which is on private land at Dreamy Hollow Woodland Campsite, Docking, (near Hunstanton) in Norfolk, is well worth visiting. Our guide will be Major Ian Dunning, who will provide a fascinating insight into the history of the Lovat Scouts, and will guide us through the trenches they built, explaining why they were created, and discussing the practical uses in regard to the Western Front, and their development as the war progressed. The tour takes about 90 minutes. Stout shoes/boots are recommended, and there will be a small charge of £5.00 (cash only please) to pay for access and the services of our guide.
Following this, Emrys Jones, Chair of Cambridgeshire Branch WFA, will guide us to the nearby site of the former RNAS/RFC/RAF Sedgeford airfield where we will look at an early SIGINT site, some local memorials including Old Hunstanton War Memorial and the Hippersley Hut, before finishing up in Huntstanton for some fish n'chips! (tour may vary according to weather and time).
Places are limited to a minimum of 8 and maximum of 15 people. Meet up in the car park of Sainsbury Supermarket, Scania Way, Hardwick Industrial Estate, Kings Lynn, PE30 4LR at 10.15 am before moving off in convoy to Docking. To book a place, please e-mail Paul Berry at paulberrywfa@outlook.com
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The Leadenham Military History Group’s next meeting will be on Tuesday 22nd July, at Leadenham Village Hall with a start time of 7.30pm.
When Chris Finn will speak about “The Hardest Day” - The events of 18th August 1940, when the Luftwaffe attempted to destroy the RAF’s fighter bases.
If you click on the link below, you will see the Leadenham MHG’s revised programme to the end of the
year.
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The next presentation in the Friends of Lincoln Tank 2025 season of talks will be held on Thursday July 31st when group Chairman, Richard Pullen, will talk about ‘The Armament of the MKIV Tank and its Crew.’
The venue as usual is the Royal Naval Club, Coulson Road, Lincoln, LN6 7BG. 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Everyone welcome.
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Another group who meet at the Royal Naval Club, Coulson Road, Lincoln, LN6 7BG are the Lincs Aviation Society.
I now have great pleasure in advertising their forthcoming events, which take place on the third Thursday of each month - entry is £2 for members and £3 for visitors.
The next speaker event will be held on Thursday 17th July when Colin Wylie will speak about ‘Flight Safety.’
Please arrive 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
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Next Meeting - Lincoln & North Lincs Branch, WFA - Monday, July 14th - Royal Naval Association Club, Coulson Road, Lincoln, LN6 7BG - 7.00pm for 7.30pm start - Annual General Meeting followed by "The History of the Lincolnshire Yeomanry" by Mike Credland.
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Lincoln & North Lincs Branch of the WFA shall take place on Monday, July 14th, commencing 7.30pm prompt. The meeting shall receive and approve the Minutes of the 2024 AGM, the Branch Accounts for the 2024/2025 financial year, and appoint Officer and Committee Members for the 2025/2026 year. A formal Agenda and copy of the 2024 Minutes shall be distributed nearer the time.
Any Branch supporter who wishes to a) serve on the Committee, or nominate a person willing to serve, b) submit a motion for debate, or c) have any ideas for future Branch activities and talks, is requested to submit same by e-mailing chairman2@lincolnbranchwfa.com no later than July 7th.
Supporters are reminded that only fully paid up members of the WFA are permitted to serve on the Committee (although non-members may serve in a non-executive position) or vote on any agenda items/motions.
The positions of Treasurer and Secretary are currently vacant and you can request further details by emailing the address listed above.
Following the AGM - which we promise will be despatched p.d.q. - we have pleasure in calling on Mike Credland to deliver the Chairman's Annual Lecture. Mike has delivered many excellent, well researched and illustrated talks in the past, and this year his subject will be "The History of the Lincolnshire Yeomanry".
This richly illustrated presentation gives the history of the Lincolnshire Yeomanry from its formation in 1794 until being disbanded in 1920. The unique talk puts together untold stories of the Regiment, especially during the Great War, and includes many unpublished photographs.
Mike Credland is currently Chairman of the Branch, and Vice-Chairman of the Friends of Lincoln Tank. He designed a new Memorial to the 46th (North Midlands) Division for placement on the site of the Hohenzollern Redoubt near Loos in memory of those of the Division who lost their lives in the badly planned attack here on 13th October, 1915, and two other memorials here in Lincoln; one to the Lincolnshire Regiment at Sobraon Barracks on Burton Road, Lincoln, and the Lincoln Tank Memorial located on the roundabout at the north end of Tritton Road. He also researched and wrote a book entitled "The First World War Memorials of Lincolnshire" which was published by the Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology (if you don't have a copy, it is highly recommended you obtain one) and was awarded the British Empire Medal in Queen Elizabeth II's 2018 New Year's Honours List for First World War Heritage and Remembrance.
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The Lincoln and North Lincs WFA Christmas lunch is always a sell out and I am pleased to let you know that this year’s event will be held at the White Hart hotel in Lincoln on Saturday 13th December – 12.30 for 1pm.
The cost has been held, thanks to a branch subsidy, at £25pp excluding drinks, for a three course lunch and the opportunity to visit the world famous Tank Room at the hotel.
I am taking bookings, without obligation at this stage, and will call for payment in late October, at which point you will be committed to attend.
I look forward to hearing from you.
(10 reservations already taken.)
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Please click on this link to read all of the latest news from the Sleaford and District Aviation Society.
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Bev Davey came across an interesting 25-minute video entitled ’10 Myths of World War I.’
The film is narrated by Dan Snow and is cleverly put together. It certainly nails the lie that the ‘Flower of British Manhood was sent to their deaths by uncaring champagne sipping chateau generals.’
If you have a spare 25 minutes, I do recommend that you watch this film
Click the link.
10 Big Myths of World War One | Watch
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Michael Doyle has flagged up what looks to be a fascinating day in Leicester on 26th July as it concerns two talks with regard to the Leicestershire battalions of 138 Brigade, 46th Division at the Hohenzollern Redoubt on 13th October 1915.
Click the link for full details.
Michael comments; ‘As an aside should anyone wish to attend this event, at the end of the A46, there is an excellent Park+Ride facility (Birstall Park+Ride), it offers an every 30 - minute bus journey into Leicester City, and if you alight at the John Lewis store, All Saint's Church is less than a five minutes-walk away.
Seniors with a bus pass it is £1.00 return, adults I believe it is £3.50 return, it is a very modern facility with first class toilets on site too with an indoor lounge area should the weather be inclement.’
Clearing the Hun from the Hohenzollern Redoubt.
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Andrew Sayers has also been in touch with details of a Gallipoli themed event on 2nd August.
Andrew notes; ‘The next ‘Annual Gallipoli Memorial Service’, organised by Gallipoli & Dardanelles International, will take place on Saturday 2nd August 2025 at 2.30pm for 3pm. It will be held at All Saints Church, Hillington Square, Church Lane, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 5HF.
The ceremony will be led by the Mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. Representatives have been invited from all the countries involved in 1915. During the service wreaths will be laid.
All are welcome, please join the service, and ensure that the events of 1915 are not forgotten.
There will be tea/coffee and ANZAC biscuits in the church afterwards which will give a great opportunity to share your respective stories.’
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Continuing on the topic of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28th June 1914 in Sarajevo as covered in last week’s Trench Lincs, Peter garland has kindly added some historical context to go along side Ray Sellers’ photographs of the car in which he died.
Peter writes; ‘Confusion and mistakes on that fateful day in Sarajevo.
Last week’s Trench Lincs featured an excellent report, with photos, from Ray Sellers regarding the Graf and Stiff open tourer that Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, were travelling in on the day of their assassination in Sarajevo, Sunday, June 28th, 1914. Written accounts of the day indicate their deaths arose from a series of missed communications, misunderstandings and utter confusion amongst the officials accompanying them.
They were met at Sarajevo railway station by Governor Oskar Potiorek with a convoy of six cars to take them to the Town Hall. The plan was that the Chief Officer of Special Security was to travel in the first car along with his security detail, but, in a spate of confusion that broke out at the station, three local police officers bundled themselves into it next to him, leaving the security detail behind. The Mayor of Saravejo, and the local Chief of Police, took over the second car. Franz Ferdinand, Sophie, Governer Potiorek and Lt. Col. Count Franz von Harrach, got into the third; Harrach's Graf & Steff, an open tourer, with its hood folded down, a fact that was to have grave consequences later on. This was not the original plan, and recognising the security issues of travelling in an open tourer, with the security detail left behind, it was decided to drive as quickly as possible along the pre-announced route for a brief inspection stop at the local barracks, thence to the Town Hall.
On leaving the barracks, the convoy drove past three of the well-positioned assassins. Two failed to act, but the third threw his bomb at Franz Ferdinand’s car, which bounced off the folded down hood, and exploded under the following (fourth) car injuring between 16 and 20 people (reports vary on exact numbers). The convoy immediately sped off to the Town Hall, leaving the damaged car behind. On arrival at the Town Hall, Franz Ferdinand exploded with indignant rage at the Mayor stating "Mr. Mayor, I come here on a visit, and I am greeted by bombs! It is outrageous!".
Following the Town Hall reception, Franz Ferdinand, against the advice of his aides who said the rest of the visit should be called off, insisted on visiting the wounded in hospital.
Governor Potiorek decided a straight forward direct route along Appel Quay to the hospital, avoiding the crowded town centre, would be the safest option. However, as his personal aide was one of those in hospital, Sarajevo Chief of Police, Edmunde Gerde, was delegated to advise the drivers of the new route. This was the major error of the day, as in the confusion and tensions that followed the first assassination attempt, Gerde failed to pass on the new instructions. Added to this, Potiorek himself also failed to check his orders had indeed been communicated to the drivers.
As a result, when the first car reached the junction of Appel Quay and Franz Joseph Street near the Lateiner Bridge, the driver turned off Appel Quay into Franz Joseph Street. The second car dutifully followed, as did Franz Ferdinand’s driver, Leopold Lojka, in the third car. Governor Potiorek immediately ordered Lojka to stop, as he was going the wrong way. Lojka applied the car’s brakes, and in attempting to turn it by engaging its reverse gear, stalled it (some versions falsely claim the car did not have a reverse gear, so he couldn’t turn it). Waiting by the Lateiner Bridge, outside Schillers Delicatessen, was a young man by the name of Gavrilo Princip, who could not believe his luck. The rest, as they say, is history.’
Thank you peter for that thorough explanation of the events that led directly to the outbreak of WWI.
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This now neatly links into the continuation of Ray Sellers’ travels. After Vienna and the museum containing the above mentioned car, Ray and his wife jetted off to Seoul, South Korea.
Ray writes; ‘We now move on to South Korea. PHOTOS 16-19 are in the grounds of their National War Memorial in Seoul, and PHOTOS 20 and 21 are inside the museum, also on the same site. Like the Museum in Vienna, it too has displays going back to medieval times, but the emphasis is on the Korean War of 1953.’
The Statue of Brothers - in the hope that one day North and South Korea may be re-united.
Thank you Ray. What a wonderful trip you had, and next week we will cover Ray’s photos from Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
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Last week we covered a lot of items of interest relating to the Somme and this sparked Marcus Dunbar to send me the following.
‘Do you know anything about the tin triangles worn by British soldiers at the Battle of the Somme? The tin triangles worn by British troops during the Battle of the Somme were a makeshift device made from tin plates, often cut from biscuit tins. These triangles were designed to be visible to air observers and artillery, aiding in the identification of advancing troops. They were placed on the back of soldiers, reflecting sunlight and making them easily visible when lying down.
However, their effectiveness in aiding the advance was questioned due to the poor visibility on the battlefield. Despite their practicality, the exact number of these triangles issued remains uncertain, and they are not commonly found in modern markets. I have read about these triangles in books, but there is not much information about on the internet. Can anyone fill in any further detail?’
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I return now to memorials nearer home as visited by Melvin Dobbs, John Pritchard and my daughter, Lizzie.
Melvin very kindly comments; ‘Another "filled to bust" Trench Lincs issue from you AND fellow readers/reporters. [Thank you – Ed]
Congratulations to John Pritchard and his wife Shirley on their Golden Wedding Anniversary. I was in the area at a similar time so I will forego my pictures of the "Cathedral of the Cotswolds", Cirencester and interior, as John beat me to it!
I also cannot match Ray Sellers exotica of foreign pictures, but I can give you something nearer to home:
St. Peter & St. Paul Church Upton by Southwell, Nottinghamshire.
1. Marble Memorial Tablet to the men of the Parish who lost their lives.
2. Framed Citation to Rifleman Charles Alfred Hall.
3. Framed Memorial to Lieutenant John Cedric Geoffrey Warwick.
4. Modern plaque at the foot of his Parents Grave to William Henry Smith MM.
Thank you, Jonathan and all the Reporters for making such an entertaining and educational read each week.’
Thank you Melvin. Your tales are always very welcome.
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As you will be aware by now, John Pritchard is our NOT So Hairy Biker roving reporter, and this week his two wheels have taken him to a bikers outing in Boston.
John comments; ‘A recent motorcycle event in Boston saw quite a few thousand motorcyclists with their motorcycles and scooters decent upon this market town which stopped the traffic and filled the carpark, high street and surrounding streets.
I found a place to sit in the memorial garden, which was quite clean and tidy, taking time to enjoy the surroundings and photograph some of the memorials for different conflicts and regiments.
There was one memorial dedicated to the "casualties of Boston Borough" which I thought was unusual, and I was surprised at the large number of memorials, with regimental/RAF squadron emblems shown on them.
Along with treating myself to the favourite ice cream, a "99" I had taken a pack-up with me to be enjoyed as I watched the motorcycles being ridden up and down the High Street, along with a constant stream of people passing by.
A wonderful evening out, the best part was riding home towards the end of the evening seeing the sun set across the Lincolnshire countryside = wonderful!
I do really enjoy the weekly "Trench Lincs" and spend the Sunday afternoon reading through it and using the various links for the additional information - better than wasting time with modern entertainment that is found on the computer or television!’ [Thank you for your kind words and ongoing support John – Ed]
Boston Centenary memorial.
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Last weekend, my daughter Lizzie, found herself in Canary Wharf in London and being ‘well trained’ in such matters as war memorials!, she sent me this splendid photo of a magnificent memorial to the staff of the ‘London, Joint City and Midland Bank’ Who Gave Their Lives During the Great War 1914-1919.
Thank goodness it has been preserved in the new development.
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There are a number of TL readers now in the Peterborough area and one of them, Geoff Turtle, has been in touch. [New contributors are always welcome – Ed]
Geoff writes; ‘I thoroughly enjoy reading Trench Lincs each week, really appreciate all that goes into it. [Thank you – Ed]
My attention was especially drawn to your article in the 22nd June issue with reference to your conversation with Rector Alan Keeler. The memorial that he referred to when he was living in Bexley is very well known to me. One of the deceased in the Slade Green disaster of February 1924, was my relative, Irene Turtle, and only recently has the full picture of what happened become clearer.
It was as a result of a centenary memorial service that I attended with my wife in 2024. We all tend to think of munitions explosions due to the filling of shells, for example Silvertown, whereas this was work carried out to break down Verey lights at a privately owned company. There was huge interest locally at the time as well as nationally.
I have penned some notes in attached document and enclosed some photos from the 100th anniversary event.
As you said in this week's issue, you will be attending the Peterborough Military History Group meeting tomorrow evening. As I am a member, hope to say hello then.’
I replied to Geoff to say how much I was looking forward to meeting him in Peterborough on Wednesday evening, and you can read about my visit below.
Geoff’s attachments states; ‘Slade Green Munitions Disaster.
My relation Irene Turtle was buried in the same cemetery where the memorial stands, as well as being commemorated on the memorial itself. My Aunt Rene (Irene would have been her Aunt) used to lay a wreath each year on Irene’s grave and there was a short annual memorial service, although her attendance had waned in recent years, and this came to an abrupt halt with the onset of Covid, together with the loss of all contact details of any of the family members who attended the memorial day.
Fast forward to 2024 which was the 100th anniversary of the disaster. Mike Smith who lost a relative wanted to set up a special commemorative service on the actual day but had no reference point. An appeal was put out on Radio London (Click on link below) asking for any relatives of those who died.
Simultaneously contact was made on various social media platforms with reference to our name. My sons (not me!) were contacted to see if they had any connection to Irene. Of course we were happy to reply. With my Aunt’s blessing – she is a little infirm – we liaised with Mike Smith and agreed that my wife and I would be delighted to attend the memorial service.
I did some more research into the explosion as although it had been mentioned occasionally, I really knew very little about it.
The memorial service was very well organised, the church at Slade Green full and attended by the local MP and many other dignitaries as well as several family members from the deceased families. An excellent exhibition was put on as well, detailing most aspects of the disaster.
This year we attended a short memorial service held at the cemetery where I was privileged to read out half of the names while my relative Trish (Irene was her Great Aunt) narrated the rest. (Trish is a long lost relative who we re-discovered in Peterborough, following a past disagreement in the family etc. Her father was a Flight Engineer in 76 squadron flying the Halifax and is on my list for further research)’
Slade Green munitions disaster: Search for relatives of victims
Irene Turtle, third from left on the top row.
Thank you Geoff for filling in some further detail about this little known explosion and tragedy in 1924. Although not officially war deaths, it is a prime example of how the Great War was still affecting families for many years after 1919.
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Last Wednesday, I was treated regally by Matt Colley and his wife on my visit to Peterborough and surrounds. As we have said in Trench Lincs many times before, you do not need to visit France and Flanders to find Great War connections, many are on our doorsteps.
Heading firstly into the city centre, I was surprised by the amount of historic old buildings that still stand in Peterborough. One tends to think of it being a ‘new’ town similar to say, Milton Keynes. But it isn’t.
First stop on my personal guided tour, was an historic building adorned with a Blue Plaque, noting that it was the Great War recruiting office for Peterborough. Many men would have enlisted here for the local Northamptonshire regiment.
It was then on to the cathedral.
David Gray, you will recall, had recently sent me some memorial photos from Peterborough Cathedral, so I will not repeat those and instead, here are some photos of other tombs and memorials that are to be found in the cathedral.
I had no idea that Katharine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII, was buried at Peterborough. Katharine, who was the daughter of the King and Queen of Spain, was a staunch Catholic and was originally married to Arthur, Henry VII’s eldest son, they were both just 15 years of age. When Arthur died prematurely, the second son Henry, married his brother’s widow to preserve the agreement between England and Spain.
There is no doubt that Henry and Katharine enjoyed a happy marriage, to start with, but their inability to produce a son and heir, led to Henry’s relationship with Anne Boleyn. With Anne pregnant, Henry needed to divorce Katharine but this was only possible with the blessing of the Pope in Rome, who refused the petition.
This left Henry with just the nuclear option, to cede from the Catholic church, and turn England towards Protestantism, as was happening in the Reformation across Europe at this time. By making himself Head of the Church of England, Henry was able to divorce Katharine who was reluctantly sent into exile where she eventually died at Kimbolton Castle in 1536.
Returning to the Great War, Edith Cavell, executed by the Germans in 1915 for aiding allied soldiers to escape, lived and worked in Peterborough prior to the war, and she has a large tablet erected in her memory.
The cathedral contains a military chapel,
Many memorials are displayed here and nearby is a display of regimental colours that have been laid up over the years. One that caught my eye was this one for the 5th Battalion (Huntingdonshire) Northants Regiment, with all of their 14-18 Battle Honours displayed – Aisne, Somme, Ypres, Arras.
Standing in the grounds of the cathedral is a large generic war memorial to all of the men and women who laid down their lives in all conflicts. It has the Laurence Binyon ‘They Shall Grow Not Old….’ Carved on one side and the Kohima Epitaph on the reverse.
Returning to the car, Matt conducted a tour of several villages of interest and first stop was just outside Connington, where stands on a major junction, a memorial to the USAAF Glatton air base. The only surviving structure from this air base is a large water tower that can be glimpsed amongst the trees.
Glatton was home to 748th, 749th, 750th and 751st Squadrons of the 457th Bombardment Group. From here, 237 combat missions were flown which saw the loss of 86 B-17’s and 739 air-crew.
Moving on, we headed to the picturesque village of Elton, where I was shown possibly a unique memorial. However, we started at the church yard where stands a traditional stone memorial adorned with a Celtic Cross. Interestingly, the names of the dead had been recorded chronologically and the place of death of each man had been recorded too.
Inside the church, Matt led me to a decorative Rood Screen which had been erected as a Roll of Honour, with everyman from the community who served, listed by year of enlistment. A truly special find, but the best was yet to come.
Directly opposite the church car park in Elton, there stands a wayside calvary. These are very common in France but I do not know of another one like this in England, although I am sure there will be other Great War calvary’s – if you know of one please let me know.
This, for me, was the find of the day and I do recommend that you take a run out to Elton to view it.
The final stop on Matt’s tour was to the village of Castor, which dates back to Roman times and where the church stands close to the site of a substantial Roman Villa. On the village green there stands a traditional war memorial which has had modern plaques installed in recent years. One plaque lists the names of the men from the community who fell in war, but the second plaque names all of the individual farms that the men came from during the 1914-18 war – a testament to the men of this agricultural community who made the supreme sacrifice.
We then entered the church, St. Kyneburgha’s, where you can find a remarkable ceiling adorned with angels and a stone tablet on the wall as a another memorial to the men of Castor and the surrounding farms, note the three Jakes boys who all died in the war – what a blow that must have been to one family to lose three boys.
However, the highlight in this church, is that it was the home of the Peterborough branch of the Old Contemptibles from 1933 to 1972. When the branch closed, the standard was laid up in the church alongside their branch book of remembrance, which includes the name of Richard Charles ‘Shadder’ Sharpe VC, of the Lincolnshire Regiment who won his VC at Rouge Bancs in May 1915 – we have previously told his story in TL.
Returning to Matt’s home, I was treated to a sumptuous tea and cakes before attending the meeting of the Peterborough Military History Group, where I had the great pleasure of meeting in the flesh David Gray and the other members of the PMHG, including Geoff Turtle, the author of the Slade Green article above.
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Finally, for this week, we finish with my weekly choice from the always fascinating Colour by CJS site. Over the last couple of weeks, I have picked out colourised photos of Empire troops from Australia and South Africa, along with William Jolley who fought and died at Gommecourt on the Somme.
This week’s offering is a man with a solid British aristocratic background and upbringing.
Lieutenant George Gordon Francis Greville.
George Greville’s father, the Honourable Louis George Greville, was the third son of the 4th Earl of Warwick, and as maybe expected, George, an only son, was educated at Eton.
When he left school he became a Reservist with the Warwickshire Yeomanry and eventually joined the regular Army in May 1912 and was commissioned in 4th (Queen's Own) Hussars.
His regiment was deployed to France in August 1914 and took part in the Great Retreat to the Marne in September 1914, the First Battle of Ypres in October 1914 and the Second Battle of Ypres in April 1915.
Having survived all of the 1914 and 1915 fighting, George Greville subsequently took part in the Battles of the Somme in 1916 and Arras in 1917.
However, George’s good luck ran out when he was mortally wounded defending the village of Thennes, South East of Amiens on 31st March 1918 and he died later the same day.
George Greville was 28 years old, and today, he rests in Moreuil Communal Cemetery Allied Extension.
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IN MEMORIAM - The Lincolnshire Regiment 13th July.
1915
17024 Private A Bradbury, 2nd Battalion. Buried in White City Farm Cemetery, France.
1446 Corporal Thomas Walter Scott, 5th Battalion, aged 20. Buried in Railway Dugouts Burial Ground, Belgium.
1916
3513 Private Reginald Howard Williams, 5th Battalion, aged 18. Buried in Warlincourt Halte British Cemetery, France.
15498 Lance Corporal Alfred Charles Hewitt, 1st Battalion, aged 18. Buried in Heilly Station Cemetery, France.
15720 Sergeant George Long, 7th Battalion, aged 36. Buried in St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France.
1919
49870 Private A Stevenson, 1st Battalion, aged 20. Buried in New Basford Cemetery, Nottingham, UK.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
I hope you all have a good week and I look forward to being in touch again next Sunday.
Until next week
All best wishes
Jonathan
© Jonathan D’Hooghe
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