RootsChat.Com
General => Armed Forces => World War One => Topic started by: HistoryFan on Saturday 27 February 10 23:39 GMT (UK)
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I know this might sound obscure, but I wondered if there was anyone who might be visiting the Netley Military Cemetery who would be kind enough to take a photo for me of my Great Grandfather's Grave marker there?
His name is WILLIAM PERCY ALLEN, he died on 1st February 1916 and the Grave Reference # is C.E 1781.
It would mean so much to be able to see this (it is at times such as these that living in New Zealand really does feel so very far away).
If anyone is going along and can help I'd be so over the moon.
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Hi - I was watching a TV programme this morning and the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley was featured, along with the Military Cemetery there - I live about 15 miles away and the weather is not good today, but I just wanted to write to say that I will do my best to get the photo you would like.
I have now registered with this site in order to write you this message, so am unfamiliar with using it (your message came up on a Google Search that I did in order to find the exact location of the Cemetery - funnily enough, even though I was born and bred in Southampton and have often walked my dogs at the Royal Victoria County Park, I did not know that the Cemetery was there!) - I presume I just attach the photo to my next message and that it will reach you safely?
Thanks, Sally B.
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Sally, thank you so much. That is so very kind of you. Yes you attach the photo here and that is all that is needed.
Thanks once again.
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Hi again - I just wanted you to know that I have not forgotten, but the weather was so awful on Sunday that I could not go, especially as my daughter said that the cemetery is through a little wood in the area. I will hope to get there this coming weekend, however, so will be in touch again soon.
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Thank you. Please don't go rushing out in cold weather on my account though. I'm happy to wait until it's much warmer.
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Okey Dokey - as long as you are not in a hurry.
Sally
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I am so sorry that I have not been in touch - we have had serious illness within our family and I apologise for not keeping you in the picture re. not being able to visit your Great Grandfathers grave stone until now - have you got a photo of this now or is it still required?
Sally
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Sorry to hear about family sickness. Hope all well now.
Haven't got a photo as yet so much appreciated - but only if it is convenient for you.
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It would be my priviledge after keeping you waiting all this time, especially after I promised, so no problem whatsoever.
I will be at the Royal Victoria Country Park within the next month as have a motorhome and there is a Caravan Club 'Meet' there, so will send you the photo as soon as possible afterwards and hope it is all you want it to be.
Kind Regards, Sally
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The cemetary is tucked away in the woods in the North Eats corner of the grounds of the country park. When the hospital was still standing (only the chapel remains today) they decided that it would damage the morale of the soldiers convalescing at the hospital to be able to see the hospital, therefore they placed it out of sight in the woods.
Dale
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I just discovered that I have a relation buried in this cemetery - I came across an In Rememberance document from the funeral when I was visiting relations last Tuesday.
I have since also found that you can obtain photographs of the graves online if you wish, and a donation of 3 GBP is suggested to help "The War Graves Photographic Project" - Paypal accepted.
A low resolution image of your Great Grandfather's grave marker can be found here - http://twgpp.org/information.php?id=1705938
I will probably visit the cemetery tomorrow and will take a photo of your Great Grandfather's grave marker incase you do not yet have one (it is only a few metres from the one I am visiting, so it is no hardship!)
Regards,
Tony
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Tony,
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. I do not have a photo yet, so would be 'stoked'.
Thank you.
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This family history thing is so addictive - I found out that I had this relation only 3 days ago, and then discovered where he is buried only today - so I just have to go there tomorrow!
In searching for the location of the cemetery I came across your post so I figured I would help out, as I'm going there anyhow! I'll be in touch tomorrow...
Tony
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Hello again,
As promised I visited Netley Cemetery today, and while there I photographed your Great grandfather's grave, and I have attached a copy of the photograph to this message for you - I needed to re-size the photo in order for it to be acceptable on the board, but if you would like a copy the original size I am happy to send it if you can provide an e-mail address (the original is 12MP, and just over 5Mb).
The photo is geotagged, so if you have a Mac you can go straight from the photo an aerial view of the cemetery. You might be able to do something similar on a PC these days, but I'm not sure it's quite as simple on that platform.
All the very best,
Tony
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Thank you so very much, I am absolutely delighted. Living at the other end of the world and being able to receive this photo means so much.
I hope it wasn't too cold or wet a day out for you.
Thank you once again. Awesome
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I am glad to have been of help.
Tony