Stars of the Somme

I have just returned from a long weekend on the Somme. Time spent in the Silent Cities for me is not just an interest or a hobby, it is something deeply spiritual. To understand the events that took place in the fields and villages of the Somme with tools like Linesman is certainly valuable - … Continue reading Stars of the Somme →

A personal note…

My trip to Flanders last weekend was unexpectedly cancelled, so I found myself at somewhat of a loose end and left ponding what it is that means so much to me There and also what it is that I hope to achieve this year. Over the past 18 months or so, I have been lucky … Continue reading A personal note… →

The King’s Pilgrimage

I'm off to Flanders next weekend for a night away with a good friend and am currently day dreaming about watching dawn break at the Menin Gate and night fall in the Silent Cities. These pilgrimages have become more and more important to me over the years and I'm reminded of a poem by one … Continue reading The King’s Pilgrimage →

Decorated Warriors

In 1917 behind Waterloo Station in London, George Burchett was doing a roaring trade. He had been practising his craft since he was a small child, reportedly expelled from school at the age of 12 as a result. At the turn of the century, he began working in the East End of town. The docklands … Continue reading Decorated Warriors →

The Forgotten

When we think about remembrance and The Great War, our thoughts naturally turn to the men who rest in the Silent Cities of the Old Front Line. And of course so they should, but it is also important that we think about the wider impact of the conflict and those men who I feel are … Continue reading The Forgotten →

But ne’er shall we forget, my boys… in Sussex by the sea.

The High Weald in East Sussex is an area of outstanding natural beauty which extends across Sussex, Surrey and Kent. It is a patchwork of ancient woodlands, farmland, sunken lanes and historic villages that spans the undulating landscape of the South East of England. I know many of these villages well, as it is where … Continue reading But ne’er shall we forget, my boys… in Sussex by the sea. →

‘Do your duty and a little more and the future will take care of itself’

I have always felt a sense of comfort and inner peace when wandering The Great War battlefields. Usually, people don't quite know how to respond to this when I try to explain my interest, and I receive comments fair regularly about how morbid I am, that I should 'get a more uplifting hobby' and other … Continue reading ‘Do your duty and a little more and the future will take care of itself’ →

Guest post – Martin Garnett

There are many people who are interested in The Great War, but there are far fewer who have a true passion for it. A passion for remembrance, for sharing the stories of the men who sacrificed so much, and an understanding of what it means to walk that hallowed ground. Over the past year I have been … Continue reading Guest post – Martin Garnett →

‘He weakened my strength in the way he shortened my days’

This grave at Essex Farm caught my attention as I wandered quietly among Them last weekend. It's the grave of a young lad, Private Philip Phillips of the Royal Welch Fusiliers. I was drawn to the grave as I so often am, by the inscription which reads: 'He weakened my strength in the way he … Continue reading ‘He weakened my strength in the way he shortened my days’ →

Toc H – Part 2

This weekend I made my first visit of the year to Flanders for some quiet time on the Old Front Line and an overnight stay at Talbot House. After a bitterly cold day out visiting the silent cities, we were welcomed at Toc H by the warden Joe, and what a warm welcome it was. … Continue reading Toc H – Part 2 →