They Gave Their Today
This is my tribute to those who fell in the World Wars of the 20th Century. As I write this, in September 2012, it is very much work in progress. I am at the stage of uploading the photos and text which I have researched over the last few years and then ensuring that the format is as I wish it. I am learning, but it does take time!
My interest stems from the death of my (step) uncle. He served with the Scots Guards and was leading a patrol in No Mans Land at night. The objective of these patrols was to capture soldiers or at least identify the opposing military units. If it was an elite unit, they were more likely to attack than a reserve unit. Apparently he hesitated too long in giving the password when challenged by a new, nervous and young sentry. The sentry fired and, despite Ted being rushed to the nearest hospital, he died shortly after. His family were devastated and they never recovered. Today there is no family in the UK to tell his story, so I have taken it upon myself.
With the rest of my generation I was been brought up with Grandfathers and Great Uncles who served, some died but others returned maimed or mentally scarred and without the support that the modern Serviceman receives. The creation of the (Royal) British Legion in the 1920’s filled, as far as they could, this support role which continues today.
The Memorials that I have researched are those where I have a personal connection. The emphasis on South West Surrey is simply because I lived there for over 40 years before moving to North Oxfordshire.
Many people ask me what the rules were about War Memorials and who appears plus one or two other jottings.
My interest stems from the death of my (step) uncle. He served with the Scots Guards and was leading a patrol in No Mans Land at night. The objective of these patrols was to capture soldiers or at least identify the opposing military units. If it was an elite unit, they were more likely to attack than a reserve unit. Apparently he hesitated too long in giving the password when challenged by a new, nervous and young sentry. The sentry fired and, despite Ted being rushed to the nearest hospital, he died shortly after. His family were devastated and they never recovered. Today there is no family in the UK to tell his story, so I have taken it upon myself.
With the rest of my generation I was been brought up with Grandfathers and Great Uncles who served, some died but others returned maimed or mentally scarred and without the support that the modern Serviceman receives. The creation of the (Royal) British Legion in the 1920’s filled, as far as they could, this support role which continues today.
The Memorials that I have researched are those where I have a personal connection. The emphasis on South West Surrey is simply because I lived there for over 40 years before moving to North Oxfordshire.
Many people ask me what the rules were about War Memorials and who appears plus one or two other jottings.
If you spot any errors please tell me (just click here) so that I can check and alter the record. If you have additional information or photos, I will willingly add these to the site.
I hope this website will spread the word about members of the community who sacrificed their lives for their country. Please copy or link to this site as you wish. My objective is to ensure that the fallen are remembered so there is no copyright but I would like to be told and hopefully acknowledged. If some local group wishes to extend the information or to publish it in a magazine or booklet, that too would be a bonus.
Michael Allbrook
2012
I hope this website will spread the word about members of the community who sacrificed their lives for their country. Please copy or link to this site as you wish. My objective is to ensure that the fallen are remembered so there is no copyright but I would like to be told and hopefully acknowledged. If some local group wishes to extend the information or to publish it in a magazine or booklet, that too would be a bonus.
Michael Allbrook
2012