Tuesday 22 August 2017

Able Seaman Joseph Garside RNVR

Hello, thank you for dropping in.  I am so please that you have because I have some lovely news to share with you today.
 
In November last year I shared with you the story of Joseph Garside, a young man who was shot in the spine at the Battle of the Ancre in November 1916, discharged from the Royal Navy in August 1917 because of his injuries and died in June 1918 - you can read the post here.  As he was no longer a member of the armed forces when he died, his name was not recorded on any war memorial until last year, when a new memorial was unveiled by the Duke of Kent at Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey.
 
Well, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission has made a beautiful headstone of Portland stone for Joe, just like those you see in its war cemeteries, and three weeks ago it was installed at his grave in St James' Church in Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne. 
 
We will remember them.
 
 
See you soon.
 
Love, Mrs Tiggywinkle x

12 comments:

  1. So great that he was remembered this way.

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    1. I think it's really important, Sugar. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has realised its mistake and is now properly honouring all the men and women who died as a result of the injuries they sustained during the Great War but after they had been invalided out of the service. Better late than never. x

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  2. What great news. A beautiful memorial. B x

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    1. I didn't realise until last year that the CWGC erects headstones outside of its own cemeteries. Now that I know, I keep spotting them in churchyards as they are so distinctive. I am glad that Joe has been properly honoured now. x

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  3. Recognition for serving his country and paying the ultimate price.
    Lest we forget x

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    1. Bless you! Yes, I think it's especially important because Joe was so young and so had no children left to tell his stories - even his great-nephews and nieces didn't know he existed until very recently, but they are visiting now and we are telling his story. xx

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  4. That's wonderful, good news indeed. x

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    1. It just goes to show that it's never too late to write a wrong. Joe's family are thrilled. x

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  5. It is good that this is being done isn't it. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission do very important work don't they.

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  6. How wonderful, it's nice to have a good news story and also somewhere for his family to remember him after all these years:)

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