lindyloo
master brummie
I read a wonderful story on Facebook today, written by a dear old school friend of mine, about two Birmingham Soldiers and she has kindly given me permission to share it here....
"This tiny book belonged to a soldier who was killed in WW1. That soldier's best friend and fellow soldier promised him that he would return his belongings to his fiancee, on his return from the front. He carried out his promise and he and his friend's fiancee became sweethearts and eventually married. They became Paul's Grandparents. The little book was looked after by the couple who then passed it on to their daughter (Paul's Mum), and after her death 3 years ago we became its guardian. I have been on a mission ever since to return it to any relative of that soldier. I am so thrilled today to receive a letter from the soldiers nephew, (who is 91 years old) and never met his uncle, as he wasn't born until 1923! He has told me that he will look after it until it is passed to his Son. It just feels so right that it will be returned to him in the year that commemorates a 100 years since the First World War started. Thank you Herbert, for the sacrifice you made, and I hope you are pleased that your prayer book has been returned to its rightful owner."
I also learnt that my friends husband has some wonderful photos and a War Diary which belonged to his Grandad. He rang the Warwickshire Regiment a few years ago and asked if they would be interested in the items, only to be told by the girl on the phone..
" No sorry we wouldn't be interested as we have loads of diaries" !!!!
I am allowed to share the information and photos here, if anyone would like to see them, but I also said I found it unbelievable that the Diary would be turned down by the Regiment.. and that I would ask on here if anyone knows of a good place that WOULD be interested in and appreciate the information and put it to good use..
If anyone has any ideas, I would love to hear them please... The Soldiers were from the 16th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment (3rd Birmingham City Battalion)
"This tiny book belonged to a soldier who was killed in WW1. That soldier's best friend and fellow soldier promised him that he would return his belongings to his fiancee, on his return from the front. He carried out his promise and he and his friend's fiancee became sweethearts and eventually married. They became Paul's Grandparents. The little book was looked after by the couple who then passed it on to their daughter (Paul's Mum), and after her death 3 years ago we became its guardian. I have been on a mission ever since to return it to any relative of that soldier. I am so thrilled today to receive a letter from the soldiers nephew, (who is 91 years old) and never met his uncle, as he wasn't born until 1923! He has told me that he will look after it until it is passed to his Son. It just feels so right that it will be returned to him in the year that commemorates a 100 years since the First World War started. Thank you Herbert, for the sacrifice you made, and I hope you are pleased that your prayer book has been returned to its rightful owner."
I also learnt that my friends husband has some wonderful photos and a War Diary which belonged to his Grandad. He rang the Warwickshire Regiment a few years ago and asked if they would be interested in the items, only to be told by the girl on the phone..
" No sorry we wouldn't be interested as we have loads of diaries" !!!!
I am allowed to share the information and photos here, if anyone would like to see them, but I also said I found it unbelievable that the Diary would be turned down by the Regiment.. and that I would ask on here if anyone knows of a good place that WOULD be interested in and appreciate the information and put it to good use..
If anyone has any ideas, I would love to hear them please... The Soldiers were from the 16th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment (3rd Birmingham City Battalion)