Genealogy Chat

What a lovely story you have to tell, Nannylicious, how lucky you were visiting on that particular day.
I hope your next visit in 2014 proves to be just as memorable.

K

My husband's grandfather was a regular in the army and when WW1 started, he fought at the Battle of Mons on 23rd August 1914. Some years ago, hubbie & I went to visit the village where the very first battle took place in order to take some photographs of the canal bridge and the memorial plaque to the Royal Fusiliers (grandfather's regiment). We were there on 23rd August and to our amazement, there was a procession and memorial service for those who had fought on that day, the very first day of WW1. Apparently, this is a regular occurrence.
We explained why we were there and were invited by the Minister for Tourism to attend the 90th anniversary in Mons itself which we did in 2004, along with the re-enactment group and several WW2 veterans (ironically, the first battles of WW2 took place at Mons as well). On our original visit to Mons, my husband stressed the importance of maintaining the artefacts and memory of the soldiers and reminded them of the promise made to the people of Mons that the descendants would return to commemorate the 100 year anniversary. When we revisited in 2004, we noticed that the museum had been revamped and given a more prominent siting.

My husband is planning a trip so that other family members may commemorate the 100year anniversary in 2014 and keep the promise made all those years ago.

We shall certainly visit the Imperial War Museum. Thank you for the information.

Yes, I could try that. I wouldn't like to think of it being thrown out after my time. At least if I do something with it it'll be looked after.

Annie

How precious.
I would be reluctant to part with it too Annie. Perhaps if you got in touch with the Imperial War Museum they may be able to suggest what to do, after all, I'm sure other people have felt the same as you do about an item of such sentimental value.

K

nudge
in case anyone is interested in the site or the photos which you can help identify.

If you have an interest in WW1 then you might like to take a look at this...........www.1914.org



"First World War Centenary

2014-2018 marks 100 years since the First World War. This was not only a pivotal time in world history but also marks the beginning of IWM’s history – the museum was originally established in 1917 to collect and display material relating to the Great War, which was still being fought.

IWM (Imperial War Museums) will mark the occasion through a vibrant four-year cultural programme that includes the opening of the new permanent First World War galleries at IWM London, an exhibition at IWM North, learning activities in all five branches, family history events, loans to other museums and institutions, performances, broadcasting, retail products, publications and online projects. Several of these activities will be produced in partnership with other national and international organisations.

IWM has also launched the First World War Centenary Partnership, an initiative for any national and international organisations that will be commemorating the occasion. Through the partnership, colleagues from a variety of sectors have the opportunity to communicate with each other, share and combine resources, cooperate and co-develop products and services that complement each other so that as part of the First World War Centenary Programme we can develop a co-ordinated, comprehensive cultural and educational offer for the public. The IWM’s First World War Centenary team will manage the Centenary Partnership’s extranet until 2018 and will communicate partners’ projects and events as part of the overall Centenary Programme."