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Emma - Journeys into Genealogy's avatar

A very poignant story Paul. Amazing to find out so much about him

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Paul Chiddicks's avatar

Thanks so much @Emma - Journeys into Genealogy sometimes we find very little in terms of military records for our ancestors and other times, like this, we are extremely fortunate that there is a wealth of records

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Helen Barrell's avatar

Oh, poor Thomas!

My grandad's cousin emigrated to New Zealand then came back not long afterwards to serve in France and Belgium. It's so sad. He survived, though. It's so tragic that Thomas didn't, after surviving Gallipoli *and* the Somme.

My grandad was in Belgium on VE Day, and he visited the Menin Gate. We've still got the postcard he bought there - it's incredibly moving that his first reaction to peace in Europe wasn't celebration, but commemoration.

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Paul Chiddicks's avatar

Thanks Helen it’s incredible to think that he fought at three of the biggest battle of the War but it was inevitable that his luck would eventually run out

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Marian Beaman's avatar

How wonderful that you have retrieved all these photos and documents, Paul!

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Paul Chiddicks's avatar

Thank you Marian 😊 it’s our job to ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten

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