11.11

Today marks the 100th Armistice day since the end of the 1st World War at 11am on 11th November 1918. More than 700 thousand British men were killed during the grueling four year conflict that saw the world at war with itself for what was once naively said to be the 'war to end all wars'. Today, we paid a small personal tribute to my Great Grandfather Edward Roberts who served in the Royal Field Artillery from 1915-1917 in Europe. He survived the war but not unscathed, with permanent damage to his upper arm that stayed with him for the rest of his life. The bayonet pictured is one of the only family heirlooms we have left from the era. Standard issue from the war, this was once most likely attached to end of a Lee Enfield rifle for close conflict. It is unknown whether or not the blade was ever used in action. Edward's main duties would have been to transport the artillery trailers across to the frontlines via horse to provide support for the British Army. The horse that he served his time with during the war was unfortunately killed from it's injuries, and I am told he often spoke fondly of it until he passed away some 42 years later, with his wife Mary following him to the grave not long after. Their own spoken words still to this day read on the gravestone; 'Goodnight, God Bless'.