Who do you remember today 11th November

[claret59]

I am not from Burnley but my Uncle was and although I never met him I knew of him as he was one of the many Burnley lads who was killed in WW1
His name is James Morgan and he was killed by enemy fire in France just as he had turned 19 years of age and was killed one month before the war ended.
I always feel a strange affinity to this young man who I could never have known. I have a couple of old photos one of which was his 'passport sized' photo as it appeared in the local press along with a couple of pages of other Burnley lads who had been recently killed and all of them just the same sized photos.
I also have a couple of letters he wrote to his Mother and they are so very touching in their simplicity. I sometimes wonder why I get emotional just thinking of him. He was killed by enemy shelling and so there was no body left to bury.

[TheFamilyCat]

It would have been my grandad's birthday today; he served in WW2 and died two years ago.

Rememberence has certainly become more personal now.

[Dazzler]

My paternal Grandfather who is commemorated outside the library.
He died in a Brighton Hospital with double pnuemonia just days before the end of WW2.

[CleggHall]

My grandfather returned to Todmorden from WWar1 a complete wreck shredded by shrapnel. He had continuous treatment at Boundary Park Hospital, Oldham and it was difficult for my granny to visit him by bus from Lydgate. Eventually he succumbed to his wounds. I remember him and all Tod's fallen this day. Thanks lads.

[evensteadiereddie]

My dad worked on Wellington bombers in Burma in WW2 and came back safe and well.
Sadly he died too young at 54 when I was just 21 so I do like to think of him and what he'd think of his fabulous granddaughters. Tomorrow's ceremony in Barton village centre at the War Memorial will be as poignant as ever.

[bfcjg]

Father in law. Great man fought in Europe and in Egypt.

[1968claret]

My great grandfather died in the Battle of the Somme in 1917. I remember him, all his fellow soldiers and each and every one of those who have died in wars around the world.

[bfccrazy]

Both my grandads served in the Indian arm of the British Forces during the war.

On my mothers side my grandad reached rank of Subedar which is equivalent to a captain and was a giant of a man - I have a pic I'll try and dig out of him and I also have some of his medals which have been handed down to me. I never really saw him enough whilst old enough to appreciate how much he must have seen in his life both in the army and out of it living through the war and the partition of India/Pakistan. I'd love to be able to sit and have a chat with him but he has sadly passed.

The person I think of more though is my grandad on my fathers side - he was in a parachute regiment which was captured in Japan and was marched off to work on the "Death Railway". From stories I hear he never came back the same man. From being the life and soul of the party he just became very reclusive and just liked to spend all his time alone - they say some people come home from war but never really leave what happened behind and he fit this category. I was only very young when he passed away but still to this day I can count to 10 in Japanese which he taught me how to do.

I'm proud of what they both fought for and the medals and regimental ties etc from my grandad are definitely one of my greatest possessions.

[COBBLE]

Thanks for this. My Dad, joined up after too much beer, went to Dunkirk and got back from Le Panne. Then he went through India to Burma.
It all defined him subsequently. Typically only opened up as he became active in the Dunkirk Veterans and Burma Star organisations.
Whenever I face a challenge I just think what would my dad have done.

[ClaretEngineer]

My great grandfather served with the RAF in WW2 as an electronics and radar engineer. He survived and lived a happy life until his death in 1995.

I always spare a moment to read the names of those who died whilst fighting whenever I come across a memorial.

I always part with “Thanks Lads” accompanied by a tear in my eye.

[bfccrazy]

I have a pic I'll try and dig out of him and I also have some of his medals which have been handed down to me.

Found these couple of pics -

[dales_claret]

My Great Grandad Rowland Walsh, link is for a great website that list all the men from Burnley who fought and died in the great war.....make very sobering reading
http://www.burnleyinthegreatwar.info/bu ... d36653.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Juan Tanamera]

My old fella who passed away in 1994.
He fought in France with the Coldstream guards.
He was hit by a snipers bullet that entered the inside of his wrist and came out just below the top of his shoulder.
He always said he was one of the lucky ones and sometimes talked of his guilt about colleagues that didn't make it.
He lost the use of his right hand but learnt to write with his left hand by taking up calligraphy.

[wilks_bfc]

My Grandad was one of five brothers - all of which fought in and returned from WWII, where he was the first called up and last to return.

We took him to Normandy a few years ago, and it was our privledge to escort him back to Pegasus Bridge which he helped defend all those years ago.

He passed away this year. The Last Post was played at his service and I’ll always remember & be greatfull to those that didn’t return, that we were able to have all those years with him

[Hipper]

I remember my brother as he died on this day, but he had no military connections.

I remember my military relatives, and others, whenever I want to, which is quite regularly.

I just find the almost obligatory nature of remembrance these days a little bit annoying. It's been at every football match for the last two weeks, at work yesterday, today, tomorrow. I'm sure half the people wearing poppies on TV feel, or are told, that they have to do it otherwise they will cause offence.

Don't misunderstand me (as I'm sure some will); It's good to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy but I know my father would have cringed at how over the top it is now.

[ALP]

I remember my Brother who died of a consequence of the 1st Gulf War due to mental health issues aged 55, and also my Uncle Eric who was killed in Holland 6 October 1944 aged 22.

We Will Remember Them by Andy Pritchard, on Flickr

[TheFamilyCat]

I remember my brother as he died on this day, but he had no military connections.

I remember my military relatives, and others, whenever I want to, which is quite regularly.

I just find the almost obligatory nature of remembrance these days a little bit annoying. It's been at every football match for the last two weeks, at work yesterday, today, tomorrow. I'm sure half the people wearing poppies on TV feel, or are told, that they have to do it otherwise they will cause offence.

Don't misunderstand me (as I'm sure some will); It's good to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy but I know my father would have cringed at how over the top it is now.

Interesting post.

I share very similar feelings about the silences at football matches two weeks ago and my employer held a silence yesterday. To me, it feels like organsations feel like they have to show that they are paying their respects. If 11th November falls on a non-working/ non-match day then so be it. Their staff, players etc will (if they wish) pay their respects on the day.

By 11.03 tomorrow I will have observed four silences - I know that this is a small expression of appreciation in return for the sacrifices made but I honestly believe that two of these were completely unnecessary as we come together as a nation in acts of rememberence on 11th November and the traditional Rememberence Sunday.

[ClaretTony]

I remember my brother as he died on this day, but he had no military connections.

I remember my military relatives, and others, whenever I want to, which is quite regularly.

I just find the almost obligatory nature of remembrance these days a little bit annoying. It's been at every football match for the last two weeks, at work yesterday, today, tomorrow. I'm sure half the people wearing poppies on TV feel, or are told, that they have to do it otherwise they will cause offence.

Don't misunderstand me (as I'm sure some will); It's good to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy but I know my father would have cringed at how over the top it is now.

It's an interesting thought and the more often it is done the more it gets devalued. I've stood in silence now at three football matches. Firstly there was Newcastle and then Southampton while I stood for a minute's silence at 11 this morning at the youth game. That third one was, of course, the most appropriate given today's date. I'll also rightly observe the two minute's silence tomorrow morning at 11 which I also think is very appropriate.

As for remembering people on this day - although not war related, my old friend George Bray, who was player/coach and kit manager at Burnley, would have been 99 today.

[dales_claret]

Burnley players in the great war

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[JarrowClaret]

Some very interesting points on here I would agree to a point that we do seem to be having a lot of Minute/ 2 Minute silences at this time of year. It's a modern phenomenon and I can see why some people wouldn't appreciate it and say 1 is enough especially if you haven't been affected closely by this. It doesn't bother me to be honest and i personally don't think it devalues anything, I have periods throughout the year and not just today when I remember the friends and colleagues that have given the ultimate sacrifice. Some in the line of duty some not so but all serving there Country to the best of there ability so I probably have lots of minute(ish) silences. So I tend to focus on the many innocent victims of war on this day as well as the fallen Soldiers.

[Cliviger Academicals]

Mr Peter Stanworth, with occasional interruptions, had served St. Stephen’s School from as early as 1903 when he began his scholastic career as a monitor. It was on him, a member of an old Burnley Wood family, that the Headmaster’s mantle fell in 1914. Then on March 27th 1917 Mr Stanworth wrote in the school Log Book:
‘The headmaster has this day received instructions to join the army. Arthur Percy Kenyon has been appointed temporary head in my absence.’
Eighteen months later with victory almost in sight, Mr Kenyon records in that same Log Book:
‘2nd September 1918: Received news that Mr Stanworth has been killed in action on 24th August. Everyone dreadfully troubled'.

[Holmeclaret]

Maternal grandfather Regimental Sergeant Major Irish Guards WW2, 2 great uncles by marriage, one an Aussie mosquito pilot and the other a desert rat. Great grandfather in Dardanelles in WW1, naval stoker.

[bfccrazy]

Mr Peter Stanworth, with occasional interruptions, had served St. Stephen’s School from as early as 1903 when he began his scholastic career as a monitor. It was on him, a member of an old Burnley Wood family, that the Headmaster’s mantle fell in 1914. Then on March 27th 1917 Mr Stanworth wrote in the school Log Book:
‘The headmaster has this day received instructions to join the army. Arthur Percy Kenyon has been appointed temporary head in my absence.’
Eighteen months later with victory almost in sight, Mr Kenyon records in that same Log Book:
‘2nd September 1918: Received news that Mr Stanworth has been killed in action on 24th August. Everyone dreadfully troubled'.

I attended St Stephens as a kid and have family members there now. Never heard this before and glad you shared it. Shows just how many people stepped up in different ways in difficult times.

[AndrewJB]

Burnley players in the great war

6.PNG

Fairly sure I read once that a player died during the occupation of Germany after the armistice. Not a war casualty, but in service nonetheless.

[AndrewJB]

On my maternal side I have a great-grandmother who lost two of her brothers (France and Gallipoli) killed and two grievously wounded (Macedonia and unsure where), in addition to a cousin who lived in the same house as them killed (France). Her mother went mad, and died nine years after the war. i think of the whole family.

[bfcmartin]

I remember my grandad and great uncle who was my grandad's brother in law both served in the second world war. My grandad was at Dunkirk and managed to escape from there then was posted out to Egypt where he was caught by the Germans and locked up in Stalag 13.He was then a prisoner until the war ended and his prison was liberated by the Americans. My great uncle was one of Montgomery's desert rats. My grandad never wanted to talk about the war I presume he must have seen some terrible things. I have his medal from Dunkirk and some post cards that he sent to my grandma from the prison camp. Some of my older relatives that are still alive told me a story about when he returned home after the war. He lived in Ribchester and there was a street party for him on the day he came home. When he was seen crossing over the bridge near Ribchester Arms the men of the village all ran to greet him and carried him into the village and gave him a real heroes welcome.

[HatfieldClaret]

Maternal Grandfather who died before I was born but joined as a boy in WW1 and re-joined for WW2; died of war wounds (officially to allow my grandmother a war widows pension apparently) in the 50's. Boxing champ for his weight in the East Lancs Regiment. A cousin of my mother also died in Mesopotamia in WW1(now Basra).

My uncle also died recently and he was on the Ark Royal in the Korean War (we do tend to forget that one), left the navy to teach at Gawthorpe.

I also remember a young lady I knew who was killed by an IRA bomb in London.

[Foreverly Claret]

My dad.He was a great Clarets Fan.He was in the navy WW2...On 6/7 march 1944 a small flotilla of MTBs sailed from Lowestoft to attack the German held Dutch harbour of Ymuiden under cover of darkness .Sadly, the Germans were ready for them and gave them a real pasting.All the officers and many of the crew were killed or injured .My dad ( not an officer ) got the boat out of the harbour and brought her back to Lowestoft .For this he was awarded the DSM ( which I still have ) by George VI .He would never talk about the war to us when we were growing up but I know he was deeply traumatised by it .The incredible bravery of these men should not be forgotten and I sometimes reflect on what it must feel like when someone is trying very hard to kill you.

[claret59]

As I started this topic I have read all the other contributions and there is an element of 'living on' through the memories and sacrifice. Thank you for the link to all of Burnley's war dead of WW1. James Morgan is listed there as is my Great Uncle, Eugene Morgan.

[morpheus2]

My Grandfather, died as a POW at the hands of the JIA building Railways a long long time before I was born, his grave is in Java.





His name is on the memorial outside the Library Nelson.

[bfcjg]

My Grandfather, died as a POW at the hands of the JIA building Railways a long long time before I was born, his grave is in java

His name is on the memorial outside the Library Nelson.

These letters and stories bring home the personal cost and sacrafice.

[Culmclaret]

Rudolph Bannister Yates of the 1st Munsters. Killed at Ginchy on 8 Sept 1916. Lifelong Burnley fan. Wrote to the Burnley Express whilst recuperating in Malta after Gallipoli to thank Burnley FC for sending footballs out to the troops. St Peter's was packed for his memorial service which was conducted by the Bishop of Burnley. My great great uncle.

[Pstotto]

3 People. The two that didn't come back and the one that did that I never met.

I watched the WW1 film on BBC this afternoon and I thought of the grandad I never met. He looked after horses and the film was about that, so I imagined (obviously a fiction) what his life was like. I think he was at Gallipoli, he caught malaria and someone robbed the ancient coins they'd dug up from the ground while digging the trenches. He died of a heart attack at half-time on the Longside during the 57 Quarter Final v. Villa. Peter McParland said that when the draw came out he nearly **** with nerves cos Burnley were the hardest team in England. Did he mean the players or the fans or both? I'd like to know...

[Bop]

I'd class myself as apolitical, and I generally avoid commenting on current affairs and 'terror' & 'war'. The horrors of war are ongoing. Today's an exception though, brought on by my own private moments of 'remembrance' this morning after rooting through family documents.
I'm fiercely proud of what each of my grandparents contributed in their own ways during WW2, and I'm genuinely concerned that the few stories I heard from them, like many others, are likely to fade away - as future generations simply can't pass on the first hand experiences.
The article that's sparked me into action was a newspaper column about the one of my two grandfathers at Dunkirk that didn't survive. 33 years old he was. Missing in action, almost certainly killed instantly on HMS Grenade when it took direct hits from Stuka bombers down the funnels, shortly before it's munitions exploded and it sank.
I've been out to sea where the ship went down, my Dad and I sprinkled his mothers’ ashes where her husband lost his life. Emotional and powerful stuff. But what got me today, watching the veterans marching with such pride, was if this and future generations will or do fully appreciate the sacrifices they and those since have made.
My grandfathers view on WW2 and his motives for service were quoted in the paper, "......any Englishman who did not feel it his duty to go out and have a smack for the sake of his wife and children has no right to claim his nationality".
It's my belief that we need to pass their stories on. As a mark of respect.

I remember my Grandparents.

[RingoMcCartney]

My uncle was at Dunkirk. He was in the medical corps. He chose not to go to the veterans events. He never spoke off the horrors he undoubtedly witnessed. My dad was similar over remaining quiet over his time during the war. Although did speak, occasionally, quietly about it.

Both proud, gentle men. Their priceless wisdom is missed more and more the older I get.