I Byde My Tyme!

I am glad I took the trouble to take a closer look at this 1920s memorial to Nathalie, the wife of Lt Col Stephen Simpson. I BYDE MY TYME, it states. I've not seen this type of message before.

Victorian Couple's Tragic Loss

In Loving Memory of the Children of John and Ann Crompton of Calder Bridge.

This is one of the saddest graves I have ever seen. I cannot imagine the heartbreak felt by the couple who lost two sets of twins and another son - all in infancy. It can be found in the graveyard of St Thomas parish church in Garstang, Lancashire

Richard born and died June 16, 1886
Thomas Miller born June 16, 1886 and died March 28, 1887

Thomas Miller born March 19, 1890 and died March 28, 1890

John born April 13, 1891 and died December 17, 1891
Ellen Miller born April 13, 1891 and died February 1, 1892

Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp

Here are two official war photographs I found in a box at a Militaria Fair some years ago. They are of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. The first shows the horror in the woods with lines of prisoners who died in the camp. The second, I believe, shows two soldiers saluting in one of the graveyards created after Liberation.

Call for a Priest

During the Second World War, people were concerned about being killed or injured during German bombing of towns and cities. Until I found this at a local car boot sale, I was unaware that there had been Identity Card covers aimed at Catholics. I've not seen another . . .

Shells and Stones!

Four years ago, I noticed that a Bath graveyard was having an open day and went along. The Perrymead Roman Catholic graveyard was very pretty and I was captivated by a grave that stood out from the neat formality of the other resting places. On top of the green chipping covering, dozens of shells, stones and the occasional trinket were scattered. Perhaps the sea shells came from beaches that the person buried there enjoyed visiting. Relatives might have collected them and brought them here. Whatever the reason, it was very striking.

Norwegian Sailor's Headstone

Another headstone in Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bristol. Norwegian merchant seaman, Salve Lislevand who served on M/S Slemmestad. He became ill and died on November 22, 1943. The day he died, his ship was passing Gibraltar and was bound for Liverpool from Oran. Perhaps his body was taken ashore by a Pilot Boat and landed at Bristol?

Some very useful details can be found on a very informative website HERE.

Victim of Drowning

This spectacular memorial can be found in Bristol's Arnos Vale cemetery. It is topped with sculpted group of a funerary urn with a coat of arms, enwrapped in a Union Flag. At its base is an officer's shako [helmet] and sword belt. It is Grade II listed.

An inscription reads:
In memory of Lieutenant James Anthony Gardner, late of HM 7th Royal Fusiliers. The beloved and only child of James Anthony Gardner and Eliza, his wife, who was accidentally drowned whilst bathing at Alwaye, Cochin Malabar Coast, East Indies, October 26th 1861, aged 30 years. Interred in the Protestant burial ground at Cochin, October 27th, 1861, and removed to beneath this spot by his, bereaved parents, March 18th 1863.

Gardner, who father was Governor of Bristol Gaol, joined the Regiment in the Crimea before the Battle of Sebastopol. He was awarded the Crimea Medal with Sebastopol clasp and retired in 1860.