Wear Your Poppy With Pride

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Hello from the Attic on this day of Remembrance. A day where you should wear your poppy with pride to remember those who gave their lives for freedom and for those who continue to do so....

'From Will'

I would like to introduce you to some of the members of both mine and my husband's family who gave their lives in WW1 and WW11....


Ronald Stanley Ballaam ~ 1920-1940
Known as Ronnie and my maternal uncle. Reported 'Missing presumned dead' after taking part in the Narvic Campaigne, Norway. However, in 2010 after dedicated research by Paul Kiddle and John Benson the whereabouts of Ronnie was finally discovered. We now have a grave to visit...

Memorial Unveiled in Norway 2010

George Cyril Ward ~ 1897-1918 ~
George is first cousin once removed to my husband Andy. He died 26 days after his elder brother William Henry...

George's Grave in Berthaucourt Communal Cemetery, France

William Henry Ward ~ 1896-1918 ~
Brother to George Cyril...

William's grave in H.A.C. Cemetery, France
A special memorial bears the inscription 'known to be buried near this spot'..


William Henry was one of nine children and the eldest child of William Thomas and Rhoda Ward nee Daft. William Thomas had died in 1910 so Rhoda was a widow when she received news of her son William's death in August 1918. If this was not devastating enough 26 days later she received the news that her second eldest child, George, had also died in September 1918. I cannot imagine how this poor mother felt...


Ernest Sydney Doncaster ~ 1898-1918 ~
Ernest is first cousin once removed to me.

Remembered on the Pozieres Memorial, France

Robert Leggott ~ 1882-1918 ~
My husband Andy is Great-Grand Nephew to Robert.
Robert is buried in Forceville Communal Cemetery, France

The last postcard Robert sent to his family

Reverse of the postcard

'Arrived here going over tonight 4th, am alright will write later on from Bob'
Sadly Robert died on May 2nd, less than a month later

The scroll his sister Rose received, his parents had both died by this time...

Newspaper report about Robert seen in a local paper


In memory of my family members and all the fallen to this day, I salute you....

'To Ivy'

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MY HEART IS WITH YOU TO-NIGHT

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'I'm dreaming of you to-night, dear one, Just you and the long ago'

'My heart is with you to-night, no matter where you be, All the time I think of you, and wonder if you think of me'

'I treasure a rose you gave to me, a beautiful rose of red. It brings back the garden of our dreams, although like the past, 'tis dead.'

'Someday you may know my love for you, although we are far apart. My soul will be ever calling you, For ever and aye, sweetheart'.

A little bit of humour to lighten your mood and make you smile...

Until next time, take care. Hugs Chrissy xx

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They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

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