Lest we Forget

Nov 11

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Poppies in the Field

It is now 101 years since the end of the First World War.

Today we remember those whose sacrifices both in that War and since have enabled us to enjoy the freedoms we have today.

We will never forget them.

I am reminded of this in the personal sacrifices of members of my Wife’s family in 1917.

We have visited Ypres twice in recent years following the final days of my Wife’s great Uncles who were killed at Passchendaele in 1917. Visiting there was a remarkable and very moving experience.

David Andrews ,from Larne in Northern Ireland, was reported as “missing in action” at Passchendaele in the Ypres area on 17th August 1917.  His body was never recovered. David was serving as a Lance Corporal with the 14th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he was killed.
Tragically his brother, Frank, was also killed on the very same day, also at Ypres, but serving in the 9th Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers.   Two brothers killed on the same day. 
They and many hundreds of thousands also killed in the Ypres area, are commemorated on the magnificent Tyne Cot War Grave Memorial at Ypres. Their Battalions had only engaged that day.  Their other brother Harry also served in the First World War and was gassed, but he returned home eventually. Alas many of their friends never did.

 

We will always remember the great sacrifices made by so many over 100 years ago that give us all the freedoms we enjoy today.

Brian

About brianswatercolours

After spending 40 years in Aerospace I now enjoy painting watercolours of our travels around the world. I also paint for others who would like reminders of there favourite places. Most of my paintings are painted from photos that I have taken, or taken by others. This blog shows some paintings from Yvonne's and my travels together. Have look at my other Blog www.aquarellesdefrance.wordpress.com

Posted on November 11, 2019, in Paintings from our travels and tagged , . Bookmark the permalink. 5 Comments.

  1. Peter D Smith | November 12, 2019 at 7:30 am

    Fantastic note of Remembrance Brian and Yvonne – as the man who organises all the golf for the Royal British Legion nationwide it is wonderful to know that the memories of so many really do live forever. And beautiful paintings. Keep going. Well done. – Peter

    Reply
  2. artonthehillBrian | November 14, 2019 at 12:15 am

    Many thanks Peter
    It’s a story we had to share
    Glad you like the watercolours
    Best
    Brian

    Reply
  3. brianswatercolours | November 11, 2020 at 12:43 pm

    Reblogged this on Brian's Watercolours and commented:

    I thought I would send out my last years blog post on this Rememberence Day. In this awful year we should never forget the sacrices made by so many over the last Century to maintain our freedom
    Brian

    Reply
  4. brian mccormick | November 16, 2020 at 2:41 am

    Here in the States we just celebrated Veterans Day., Thank you for your post. My Grandmother was so proud of our family’s history of military service. which has continued thru the latest generation. We owe them ALL a great debt of gratitude. Thank you again folr both your words AND the wonderful painting
    Brian

    Reply

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