From Flanders to The Somme...Your photographs.

[mrspeel]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!  We have a photo somewhere of Cyril Oates' grave from when he was first buried, with a white wooden cross, but I don't think anyone in our family has ever seen the actual grave site or stone.  I can't tell you how much your efforts are appreciated, or how fascinating I have found this whole thread.

[cristobel]

Hello,
I've been away for several days and came home to find this wonderful diary of your trip.  It's a great read.
Genjen, I am really  grateful that you were able to photograph my two requests - one at Menin Gate and the other at The Huts Cemetery just out of Iper,  for Harry Sampson Richards my great uncle.  Being on the other side of the world, I'll probably never get to visit the war graves in France and surrounding areas, so it is wonderful that I have the photos, thanks to your kindness.  And the photos were so good - you have captured the cemeteries really well - great photography on your part. 

You must have worked out your itinerary with great precision to fit in so much in such a short space of time. 
Now I'm going to re-read this thread slowly and take it all in.  Apart from the photos all the extra information you provided gives your story 'atmosphere'. 
Thanks so much, Cheers, Chris   

[davidrigg3]

Thank you once again Jen, and thanks also to your partner who obviously was very much involved and supportive.

I too will miss this thread, it has been quite a journey for us all, and you not the least. Unfortunately I don't possess photos of any of the men for whom you got pictures for me - that's why your excellent photos mean so much, they're all I have.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year,
with much love and thanks, B  

[Polldoll]

It's the spirit of what has happened here that I found so heartwarming and uplifting . The ripples of random acts of kindness like this spread far and wide ....T'is a beautiful thing to behold ...
 I know Jen's becoming increasingly embarrassed by the accolades( bless ) so  maybe the best way to thank her may be to pay it forward , as many people do in Genealogy... this hobby / past time / obsession we have.
 With all the doom and gloom forecast both economically an environmentally ... it's reassuring  to know there are  still lots of good , kind and wonderful things happening before our eyes ....

...so I'm enjoying looking at my glass and seeing it is half full ...
Thanks for a wonderful thread Jen   

[Jane Masri]

Fortunately I didn't lose any close relatives in the Great War so had no reason to ask Jen for a photo of a grave but I watched with mounting alarm as the number of requests grew & grew!  I thought, 'she'll never be able to fulfill all those requests'.  Well, you proved me wrong    What a fantastic job you did, Jen.  I've so enjoyed reading your little travelogue and I can see how much joy you've brought to so many people  
Your selfless act embodies the true spirit of genealogy and Rootschat and will surely inspire others to go that extra mile when helping others.

jane

[genjen]

Poll, that's lovely, thanks.

And what a good plan - If you have enjoyed this thread and if the opportunity arises, do something to help another Rootschatter. I am always amazed and delighted at the willingness to help with brick walls, tricky questions, damaged photographs and the rest. I have had so much help with various members of my family and I know that I will be back, asking for more in the future.

So really, it's Trystan we should be thanking, for giving us this amazing place!

[nanny jan]

For those who would like a wreath etc. laid on a CWGC grave/memorial;  this company can organise it if the cemetery is included in any of their tours:


http://www.poppytravel.org.uk


I did check with our roving Rootschatter before posting. 


Nanny Jan

[genjen]

Another useful link, especially for KarenM and davidrigg3, but also for anyone with a family member in Lijssenthoek Cemetery;

www.lijssenthoek.be

They are wanting as much information on the soldiers buried in this cemetery as a new visitor centre is planned to open in about three years time.

[xpq194z]

 HI Jen.
           What a excellent job.you have done.even if my
 fred walton sadly was very faint.it does not take away your effort on behalf of other people. they must be really pleased. your stirling work .was outstanding.
                                mike