The Long, Long Trail

To the memory of Pte Arthur Gloster A/665 7th Btn Kings Royal Rifle Corps ,killed in action whilst acting as a stretcher bearer on the 30th of july 1915 at Arras. A great uncle we never knew.

In memory of private William Dorward service number 12931, who entered war with the 20th btn of the Manchester Regiment, lost his life on 27/8/1916 aged just 16 and buried at Dantzig Alley British Cemetery, Mametz. Uncle to Jean and gg uncle to Ian, Brian and Paul. A brave young man who we never known, but is in our hearts.

Remembering my father 366135 Cpl Charles Bravey RAMC TF who served at Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine, ARP and Home Guard during WW2, died 1971.

In memory of Thomas Michael Keelan Jr., son of Thomas Michael Keelan & Mary Dorothy Hayton, born 1878 in India; killed 9 September 1916 at Thiepval. Royal Irish Regiment #2446. Thiepval Memorial Pier & Face 3A. Survived by his widow Henrietta Melville of London and daughter Dorothy Keelan.

In memory of our Grandfather, John Llewelyn Roberts, son of Andreas Roberts & Elizabeth Williams of Blaneau Ffestiniog - born 7 May 1883. He had emigrated to America with his wife Jane Jennie Jones and infant son Ellis. Having served in the Merioneth Militia he went to Vancouver BC and enlisted in the Welsh Fusiliers. He was killed on the 5 November 1916 and is buried in the common grave at Thiepval. His name is inscribed on the Thiepval Memorial Arch and at Heroe's Gate in Bangor. In addition to a wife and infant son in Seattle Washington, he left a father, four sisters and a brother to grieve for him in Wales.

Drs. Robert & John Roberts

Lance Corporal Rowland Murphy 8th Battalion of the Kings Own Lancaster Regiment 21448 He was killed in action on the 9th of May 1917 age 23 and is buried in the Tilloy British Cemetary at Tilloy-les-Mofflanines France Now we have found him we will always remember him by his Great Niece and family.

Remembering William Dorward, 20th Bn Manchester Regiment served from 1915-1916 and was killed on 27/8/1916 aged only 16. Buried in Dantzig Alley British cemetery Mametz. We never known you William but we treasure you in our hearts forever R.I.P

In memory of my grandfather, Lt. Alfred Stephen Jeffery, who served in the 3rd battalion of the Suffolk Regiment. He was shot through the chest in 1916 during the Battle of the Somme, and convalesced at Le Touquet for a year. At the age of 41 he became a priest. He was a survivor through and through and lived on until the ripe old age of 103 (1994) of sound mind, but frail body. He survived his wife and all of his four children. His humour and kindness were appreciated by the many who knew him. He is still missed by his five grandchildren. Bless you, Grandpa.

In gratitude for the survival of all 4 of our grandfathers: Joseph West- 2nd. Tyneside Scottish,Ernest Amitage & Tom Hirst-Duke of Wellington's West Riding,John Albert Hill- Royal Field&Garrison Artillery-- a recent visit to La Boisselle and Thiepval underlines that survival was nothing short of a miracle.As children, we had no idea how lucky we were to have our grandfathers with us.

In loving memory of our grandfather Edward Campbell 790,No 4 Coy. 16th Bn., Royal Irish Rifles, who died age 33 on the 2nd July 1916 at The Battle of The Somme. He left a wife and 4 children, one of which was our father who was only about 1 year old when he lost his father. His name is on the Thiepval Memorial, but we have no grave to visit. One of the many from Ulster who lost their lives that terrible day.. Gone but never Forgotten...

My great Grandfather Pvt George Thomas Hyde .He embarked for France from England on 12 May 1915, and joined the 1st Battalion The Wiltshire Regiment in France on 21 May 1915. The battalion were in billets in Dickebusch, Belgium. He was wounded in action on 25 September 1915 in a battle at Hooge, Belgium. His wounds are recorded as Gun shot wounds to his chest and a fractured right leg. On 27 September 1915 he is recorded as being admitted to 8 Field Hospital. On 01 October 1915 he is recorded of dying of his wounds in 10 Static Hospital

In memory of Lance Sergent Thomas Thompson 1st Btt. Royal innskilling Fusiliers 12730 killed 1st July 1916

Honouring my grandfather Arthur Edward Newcombe with love and respect. He died 24th of December 1918 of Malarial Fever after serving his King and Country in Gallipoli and Salonika. He was a Sapper in the Royal Engineers serving in the 117th Railway Operating Company.

For my great great cousins who Ive just found.
Frank Gorbey (Royal Irish Regt ) who died in WW1 aged 23, Robert Gorbey (Irish Guards) his little brother who made it through the war and died in the Royal Irish Constabulary in 1920 aged 23 and their big brother Thomas who was a Lance Cpl 7th Dragoon Guards then Middlesex regt and died an old man. Also their brother in law Charles Abbott who died with Frank on the same day. So much saddness for their sisters and parents but so much pride as well.
Also for my uncle Vernon Sparkes who died in WW2 .RAF. Remembered with pride and respect.

In memory of Henry Rycroft Wilkinson 186011 1st Battalion East Lancashire Regiment killed in action at Hook Trench 21st May 1917 aged 21 kia whilst with the 8th Battalion. An Uncle never known.