Lights Out

[londonronnie]

Both my grandfathers fought in the First World War. My maternal grandfather was one of six brothers, all of whom joined up and fought overseas. Somewhat miraculously, they all came home safely.

My paternal grandfather also had brothers, but they're something of a mystery to me. Presumably some or all of them also joined up but whether they came home, I don't know. My grandfather did come home, although the illness he contracted whilst fighting overseas led to his death seven years after the end of the war.

Another relative of mine, a cousin of my maternal grandfather, was wounded at Ypres and some years later wrote a play based on his wartime experiences. 'Journey's End' is still regarded as a powerful piece of writing that tells of the futility of war.

I am thinking of them all at 'Lights Out' tonight - my grandfathers Albert Beazley and Henry Sherriff; my grandfather's brothers Tom, Bill, Art, Syd and Bert Sherriff; and my grandfather's cousin, Bob Sherriff.

Comments

[ali15son.livejournal.com]

I am on our patio at the moment and the church bells are ringing from Wigan parish church ...and yes most of the houses are in darkness including ours .

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

It's really good that so many people have joined in with this, isn't it?

[ali15son.livejournal.com]

Yes it is ...it was well respected which I'm very pleased about xx

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

It's nice that you know a good bit about your family history. So many people aren't interested or have no one to tell them about it.

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

Family history is my number two obsession (next to Pros! *g*)and I've thoroughly enjoyed all the research I've done. At times like this you really appreciate your forebears as real people, not just as names on a certificate or census return

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

It is wonderful that they are being remembered, and honored, as is their due.

Given the horrendous carnage of that war, it is amazing that is amazing about your maternal grandfather and his brothers. I am sorry about your paternal grandfather, and all the other lives cut short.

My maternal grandfather and at least one of his brothers served from the US. My grandfather was older, so he ended up being kept back to train the younger men. My great-uncle, however, served in France.

Here's to all of them.

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

It certainly is amazing that all six of the brothers returned unharmed, I don't suppose many families were as lucky. What's especially poignant though is that their mother, my great-grandmother, died in the influenza pandemic just before the end of the war so she never knew that all her boys had survived.

[murphybabe]

C and I did the Lights Out hour last night and listened to the Radio 4 broadcast. It was very moving.

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

Oh, I wish I'd thought of Radio 4! I watched the proceedings from Westminster Abbey on tv but I think listening to the radio would have been more atmospheric.

[charliecochrane.livejournal.com]

It was a truly moving moment. Mr C was quite overcome.

We couldn't work out if houses near us were dark or had their blinds drawn. I hope the former - will have to look out tonight to compare.

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

The whole day was very moving, wasn't it.

I looked out just before 11, but it was hard to tell which houses were in darkness. My neighbours immediately opposite had lights blazing all over the house.

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

What a lovely shrine to some very deserving men.

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

I thought it would be nice to have their photos close by while I burnt my candle. I've only acquired the photos in more recent years so it made it a bit special.

[snailbones.livejournal.com]

I love your tribute to your family, and how sad your grandfather still passed away, despite surviving.

I've been trying out the Every Man Remembered http://www.everymanremembered.org/ web site this morning, hunting for a couple of long lost distant cousins, and I was astonished at how little information I needed to put in to find them. If you haven't tried it already, you might find your lost relatives there.

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

Ooh, that website's a new one on me! It might help me find out more about my grandfather's brothers so thanks for the tip!

[snailbones.livejournal.com]

Good luck with it - it worked brilliantly for me.