Category Archives: WW1
Sutton and the Somme, 1st July 1916
Like communities up and down the country, Sutton and the surrounding area were hugely impacted by the Battle of the Somme. Ten men from Sutton (representing 2% of the names on Sutton memorial) and 20 from Carshalton (8% of the … Continue reading
Posted in 1916, Research, Somme, Surrey Regiments, War memorials, WW1
Tagged Belmont, Carshalton, Cheam, Somme, Somme100, Sutton, Wallington
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The story behind a lone headstone
To a passer-by, the headstone situated in the middle of the field might seem out of place, particularly if they are not aware of the history of the local area. But there are very few passers-by, for this is not … Continue reading
Posted in 1916, CWGC, Loos, Remembrance, Research, WW1
Tagged Commonwealth War Graves Commission, CWGC, Hohenzollern, Remembrance, Shellshock
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“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
Mapping Carshalton’s First World War casualties
Recently I have been ‘mapping’ the men named on Carshalton war memorial to show where they lived in the area. My research into the men has really focused on them as individuals rather than looking at how the community was … Continue reading
Posted in Carshalton, Research, Surrey Regiments, War memorials, WW1
Tagged Carshalton, Carshalton casualties, Surrey, WW1
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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
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The real-life Indiana Jones, the First World War, and the Natural History Museum
If you have ever visited the Natural History Museum in London you will no doubt have seen the statue of Charles Darwin on the main staircase in the Central Hall. You may however be forgiven for paying less attention to … Continue reading
Posted in 1917, East Africa, WW1
Tagged East Africa campaign, General Smuts, Natural History Museum, Royal Fusiliers, Selous
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Searching for William MacDuff – what can be learnt from new records?
Last week I attended the book launch for Michael LoCicero’s new book, ‘A Moonlight Massacre: The night operation on the Passchendaele Ridge, 2 December 1917.’ The book describes the action in which my Great Great Uncle William MacDuff was killed, … Continue reading
Posted in 1917, Border Regiment, Passchendaele, Research, WW1
Tagged Border Regiment, Lonsdales, MacDuff, moonlight massacre, Passchendaele, Westrozebeke, WW1
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The 7th East Surreys at Cambrai
Postcards were produced in abundance during the First World War and can provide a fascinating insight into the men who served. Many were studio pictures of individuals or groups of soldiers, and capture a brief moment of their lives; for … Continue reading
Posted in Research, Surrey Regiments, WW1
Tagged 1917, 7th east surrey regiment, cambrai
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Sutton war memorial
The war memorials in the London Borough of Sutton have recently benefited from a deep clean in preparation for the centenary. Sutton’s memorial in particular was in dire need of attention, its location overlooking the busy A232 making it a … Continue reading
Posted in Research, War memorials, WW1
Tagged Carshalton, Surrey, Sutton, western front, WW1
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Reflections of a Rifleman – Part 5
How much could be written about trench life, revelation in human endurance, and sublime heroism, lit by flashes of humour, but grim tragedy predominating – full to the brim, pressed down, and overflowing. Surely no dwelling ever held such a … Continue reading
