Remembrance Sunday has always held a special meaning and reverence in my heart. My father served in the Royal Navy for 24 years from a boy seaman growing up, active service during World War II and on until he retired in 1960 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer.
When I look at photos of him now from when he was a very young man in uniform, I cannot help but think of those who were so gallant during both World War I – ‘The Great War’, and the Second World War. Their sacrifice and selflessness was huge.
When I was much younger, perhaps even a teenager starting to learn about Modern World History at the age of 13/14, I thought being 19-20 was ‘old’. Twenty one definitely over the hill! Now, I can reflect and see that my own children are at this age, and I can start to understand just how much respect these young people who serve deserve for the amount of responsibility that lay on their shoulders.
I am on a learning curve with how things were here in Dunfermline, and so I have taken the opportunity to wander around the internet looking for coverage and history, and also checked out a few books from the library for further reading.
I was delighted to find on YouTube this very old clip of the unveiling of the memorial in Dunfermline by Sir Ralph Anstruther.
By visiting CWGC – Commonwealth War Graves Commission website I was able to find photos and small details of Dunfermline (Douglas Bank) Cemetery.
The 1914-1918 War Graves are located in a naval plot which is situated on a mound in the centre of the cemetery. During the 1939-1945 War the cemetery was used for the burial of servicemen, the great majority of whom were men of the sea and lie in this naval plot. There are, however, a few war graves in other parts of the cemetery.
A Cross of Sacrifice has been erected in a central position in the naval plot.
I have found this on a walk recently along Halbeath Road, Dunfermline, but I have yet to go in and explore. Also on this website you can research casualty records.
Another site, I am sure I will use as a constant reference is Dunfermline Auld Grey Toon – At Your Service.
Again, some wonderful old photos showing historical detail of Dunfermline.
A book by the title The Auld Grey Toun, Dunfermline in the time of Andrew Carnegie, 1835-1919 by Eric Simpson, is available in the local library.
If you are interested in finding out more about a career with the services the following details may be helpful:
Address: RN & RM Dunfermline, TA Centre, Elgin Street, DUNFERMLINE, KY12 7SB
Phone: 08456 075555
Location: Situated within The Army Careers Information Office in Elgin Street, about a 5 minute walk from Dunfermline Town Railway Station and a 10 minute walk from the main bus station.
Opening Times: Monday/Wednesday/Thursday 0900-1630. Friday 0900-1600. In all instances an appointment is required. To book an appointment call: 0845 075555.
Further exploration brought me to another news article in the Dunfermline Press: ‘Garden for Heroes’ to Honour West Fife’s Fallen a new place being planned to visit and pay tribute to our service men and women of recent conflicts that continue around the world.
I know this is late, and I know Armistice Day has passed, but those who have given and continue to give everything to allow us the freedom, liberty and safety that we have are worthy of being remembered every day.
Please continue to support our services and their families. Follow this link to find out how you can actively help: Poppy Scotland – Home Page.
Thank you for your visit.
As this is my first post on my new blog, I will in time, come back and edit. I have a lot to discover in Dunfermline, and I do hope you will enjoy my journey and perhaps add to it with any personal information you have.
I wanted my 5 & 2 year olds to know the sincificagne as well but was worried about scaring them with some information. I settled on we wear the poppy to say Thanks to the soldiers for keeping us safe . I then went on to let them know that some soldiers are doctors, some are teachers, some are pilots, some are police officers, etc. We say thank you because it’s a very hard job and sometimes they have to travel far away for long periods of time and miss their families and friends here all to help us be safe. I wanted my girls to understand that Remembrance Day was about more than guns and graves although NEXT year I will be introducing them to the fact that we had family that did those jobs a long time ago, and some got hurt, and some didn’t come home and that’s why we wear the poppy to say We Remember.
What a lovely and thoughtful comment, thank you. You have given me further reflection for my own observance.
Thank you for the reminder. When I was grnwiog up, my father was very involved in the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and we always celebrated Memorial Day with my dad by going to the cemeteries in the area and placing flags on the graves of the fallen soldiers buried there. It was a great tradition for our family and it helped me to realize the importance of the sacrifices people made to make our country free. I try not to ever take that for granted.
Wonderful collection for the theme Gattina. I like older ceemteries where their are photos that I can look at. I enjoy ceemteries. The newer ones you posted are an interesting contrast to Annie’s collection from Italy, which were very colourful and on no special occasion. This was a great theme for me and I’m enjoying learning through the photos 🙂
I never got to meet my brother. He was klelid 3 years before I was born. He was the oldest brother out of 11 kids. Though I did not know him except what I was told about him. My father,Uncle,another Brother, 2 nephew, a niece, her husband and many more dear friend have and still are serving this Country. I am honored and VERY PROUD of them and will never for get them. One day I will meet the brother I neverknew. His name is Vernan Terry Cochran he went to Army boot camp on April 13 1965. He gave his live while saving others on June 21 1966. He was from the mountains Western N.C. in a small coumunty called Nantahala. If any one new him I would love the hear more about him. God Bliss you all I dont know you but I love all who served.
You made me cry Jeremy, that is a baftuieul photo and a baftuieul reflection on the very reason we have set this day aside. My heart is full of pride for those who have lost their lives defending our country, as it is every day, but so much more profound today. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. God bless the man in your photo, his dedication and love reach further then he realizes.
Thank you, Stancescu. Your post is very touching. I hope that somehow in this large world we live in – someone will read your words and be able to give you a little information about your brother.
I have read several books about the adenrtuvism, and the horrors our forefathers experienced in WW1. To be part of a military family I to know the tug on my heart for serving my country knowing full well the cost but that don’t bother me. I am amazed with the severity and miss communication that lived in WW1, still our boys pushed forward in the pursuit for freedom. Not only WW1 but also the other conflicts that called our men and women to fight for country and freedom thank God for them. I think this organization is long over due and thank you from a soldiers point of view for you all. Keep up the amazing workPte.Andrew Hull