MATHESON Robert Hilton WW1 Memorial Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – Week 21: Military

The week 21 challenge for the 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks is Military.  I could not believe it when I saw the dates for this challenge.  I had already intended to write a post for this week to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of the death of my great-great-uncle Hilton in World War I.  What…

Robert Hilton Matheson, WWI, France

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Have you ever wondered where your ancestors killed in action are buried?  In war, especially the First World and Second World Wars, the dead remained in the country in which they died. Sometimes there was no record of where they were buried.  In some cases, there were details of the person’s death and their exact…

Poppy Remembrance Day Lest We Forget WWI

Lest We Forget – Remembrance Day

Today, being Remembrance Day, I felt it fitting to remember my ancestors who served in World War I.  The brave men and women who served in the first world war (and of course all subsequent wars) are to be remembered for their bravery and sacrifice.  The families at home need to be remembered as well….

Fletcher Alderwin Brand, WWI Portrait, Western Australia

Chance Encounter

Fletcher wandered down the street of Alexandria, Egypt heading towards the noise coming from the pub. His ship had landed early this morning and he had been given a few hours to unwind before his war started. He noticed a vacant stool at the bar and took up his position ordering a beer. “Hello” said…

Robert Hilton Matheson, WWI, France

The Letter

The screen door slammed behind Gladys as she came running into the house. “Gladys!  Shut the door gently!” her mother called from the kitchen, where she was making lunch. Breathlessly Gladys said, “The mail was in.  There is a letter from Hilton.” Edith wiped her hands on her apron and reached for the letter.  It…