War Horse Grave 'Blackie'

[ainslie]

Thanks for posting.  Lieut. Wall's poem gave rise to the adoption of the 55th (West Lancashire) Division's motto, 'They Win or Die who wear the Rose of Lancaster'.  This was used on the grave marker placed by the divisional chaplain on many hundreds of 55th Division graves on the Western Front.

[ainslie]

I called at the RSPCA site yesterday, now run as a dogs and cats shelter, but without horses.  I could not take a photo of the memorial as it is in a paddock full of sheep but the staff have kindly sent me some pics.  As there was a strong shadow over the stone it is not suitable for posting here but the full text is:

BLACK HORSE
"BLACKIE"
AGED 35 YEARS
A BATTERY 275TH BRIGADE RFA 55TH DIVISION
FRANCE AND FLANDERS 1915 - 1919
AT THE LIVERPOOL HORSES' REST
1930 - 1942

I hope I have not missed anything from the image.
A

[hanes teulu]

Ainslie,

Many thanks for the update and taking time out to visit the site of "Blackie's" memorial.

I've enjoyed but it has been a privilege to contribute to this post.

[Ryan_P]

I am amazed at the amount of references and documents that have reported L.C.Wall's life and death in such detail. But yet I am struggling to find any photographs of him, I understand that he came from a affluent background this giving me more encouragement to hopefully discover this last missing piece. Any suggestions or advice would be gladly appreciated and thanks again for your time.

 

[groom]

Is this anything to do with you?

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/in-your-area/can-you-help-search-wirral-born-9134743

Unfortunately that's not his photo, but it might be worth contacting the writer of the artical.

[Ryan_P]

Unfortunately I am unable to contact the article writer as I do not have a blogger account. 

[Ryan_P]

Just to finish off this inspiring tale.



RFA TF taken at Canterbury in Sept. 1915. It is from the War Diary of the 1st West Lancashire Brigade, RFA published in 1923.

[PCD]

I wrote to the RSPCA to request access to visit the pet cemetery and I was told that only dogs are buried there (between the two world wars). The words pet cemetery are typed within quote marks. I am going to visit the cemetery accompanied by a member of staff from the RSPCA. Does anyone have the response from the RSPCA with the photo of Blackie's headstone? Thank you.

[ainslie]

Ryan P  took a photo in May after being allowed access and cleaning the headstone.  If he sees this he may respond.
The RSPCA did send me photos of the Blackie memorial before Ryan's visit and cleaning work, but they were not very clear.

A