When Remembrance Sunday comes round each year we are all moved as the names of those who fell in the two great World Wars are read out from the Roll of Honour on Bunbury's War Memorial. The occasion presents an opportunity for us to remember and pray for those who served in these and subsequent wars. but as we enter a new century it must be apparent that. though “years shall not weary them”. our own memories will fade, and it won't be long before personal recollection of these brave soldiers, sailors and airmen who gave their lives will be restricted to family history and legend.
Recently, thanks to the internet and other sources of research, I have been compiling brief biographies of members of my family who served in the forces. There are several sources - Regimental histories, service records, war diaries, and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission - and with a bit of effort it's surprising how much can be discovered. There was my father's Uncle Gwil who fought in the Boxer Rebellion, my father and his five brothers who all fought in the 14-18 War, and cousins who served in the '39-'45 War - they were heroes to me as a schoolboy at that time. I feel that since I can remember them personally, I have a duty to put their achievements on record for the sake of their descendants.
At a recent meeting of the Bunbury British Legion, we discussed how much (or rather how little) we knew of the names on the Bunbury Roll of Honour and agreed that it would be worth compiling more information on who they were - the regiments or ships they served in, where they lived. what family links still reside in the village. and where and how they came to lay down their lives for us today. I believe that at one time it was hoped to publish a booklet in their memory, but I don't think it reached the printing stage. Whether searches today will enable the project to be revived remains to be seen, but if anyone can contribute personal contributions to supplement and lend colour to the bare facts that can be gleaned from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and other sources. I would be very grateful to hear from them. Needless to say, any information will be treated with respect and contributors will be kept informed if a decision is ever made to publish these notes in some permanent form or other.
DAVID EVANS
dtevans@netlineuk.net
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