Category Archives: Centenary
Haig Homes
Douglas Haig and his Housing Legacy When I first started my journey researching my family’s involvement in the First World War, I never expected that my ‘day’ job and my ‘hobby’ might ever cross paths. Yet now more than ever, … Continue reading
Posted in Centenary, Remembrance, Research, War memorials, WW1
Tagged Douglas Haig, Haig Homes, Haig Housing
Leave a comment
Alfred Pollard VC
Today marks the centenary of the action for which Second Lieutenant Alfred Oliver Pollard was awarded the highest decoration for gallantry, the Victoria Cross. During this centenary of the First World War a commemorative paving slab is being laid in … Continue reading
Posted in 1917, Arras, Centenary, Gallantry, Wallington, War memorials, WW1
Tagged Alfred Oliver Pollard, Arras, Gavrelle, HAC, Honourable Artillery Company, Pollard, VC, Victoria Cross
Leave a comment
‘A mad scheme in my opinion’: The 1st Queen’s attack on the Hindenburg Line 23/04/1917
The 1st Battalion of The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment) did not participate in the opening phase of the Battle of Arras from 9th April, but on 15th April as part of the ‘fresh’ 33rd Division, moved into support north … Continue reading
An Arras Mystery
Today marks the centenary of the death of Private Harold William Baker, 20th Royal Fusiliers, one of the men commemorated on Carshalton war memorial and who I wrote about in my book. Harold lived locally and attended St. Olave’s school … Continue reading
The 1st Queen’s 1914 Star Medal Roll
It has been a while since I last posted on here but I’ve been trying to fit in my ongoing research into the 1st Battalion The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment) when time allows. One project I recently completed was … Continue reading
Posted in 1914, First Ypres, Projects, Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment, Research, Surrey Regiments, WW1, Ypres
Tagged 1914 star, 1st Queen's, medal roll, Queens, Research, Surrey, WW1, Ypres
6 Comments
Sutton’s Somme campaign casualties
In my last post I listed the 38 men from Sutton and the surrounding area who lost their lives on 1st July 1916. On Remembrance Day, as the centenary of the end of the Somme campaign approaches, I thought it … Continue reading
Posted in 1916, Carshalton, Centenary, Remembrance, Somme, War memorials, WW1
Tagged Carshalton, Cheam, Remembrance, Somme, Sutton, Wallington, WW1
2 Comments
“The whole attack had been a most costly failure” – The 1st Queen’s 15th July 1916
The average shopper in Guildford may be forgiven for not paying a visit to the church of Holy Trinity at the top of the High Street. The attention of those who do venture down the path at the side of … Continue reading
Three East Surrey VCs – Hill 60
Hill 60 had been taken by the Germans in November 1914 during the Battle of First Ypres. Due to its height it provided an excellent vantage point over Ypres, Zillebeke and the surrounding area. The British blew several mines under … Continue reading
Posted in 1915, Centenary, East Surrey Regiment, Gallantry, WW1, Ypres
Tagged Dwyer, Geary, Hill 60, Roupell, VC, Victoria Cross
3 Comments
Carshalton War Memorial – Book out now!
I am proud to announce that my book about the men commemorated on Carshalton war memorial, Their Name Liveth for Evermore: Carshalton’s First World War Roll of Honour, is published today by The History Press. In the words of the blurb … Continue reading
Posted in Centenary, Projects, War memorials
Tagged Carshalton, Carshalton War Memorial, First World War, Surrey, The History Press, War Memorial, WW1
1 Comment
Lives of the First World War – First Impressions
Over the past few days I have been trying out the beta of the Lives of the First World War database. This ambitious idea, being led by the IWM, is one of the flagship projects of the centenary. It will … Continue reading
Posted in Centenary, Research, WW1
Tagged Centenary, IWM, lives of the first world war, WW1
Leave a comment
ww1geek 