Lights Out

[londonronnie]

Both my grandfathers fought in the First World War. My maternal grandfather was one of six brothers, all of whom joined up and fought overseas. Somewhat miraculously, they all came home safely

Comments

[ali15son]

I am on our patio at the moment and the church bells are ringing from Wigan parish church ...and yes most of the houses are in darkness including ours .

[londonronnie]

It's really good that so many people have joined in with this, isn't it?

[ali15son]

Yes it is ...it was well respected which I'm very pleased about xx

[sc_fossil]

It's nice that you know a good bit about your family history. So many people aren't interested or have no one to tell them about it.

[londonronnie]

Family history is my number two obsession (next to Pros! *g*)and I've thoroughly enjoyed all the research I've done. At times like this you really appreciate your forebears as real people, not just as names on a certificate or census return

[msmoat]

It is wonderful that they are being remembered, and honored, as is their due.

Given the horrendous carnage of that war, it is amazing that is amazing about your maternal grandfather and his brothers. I am sorry about your paternal grandfather, and all the other lives cut short.

My maternal grandfather and at least one of his brothers served from the US. My grandfather was older, so he ended up being kept back to train the younger men. My great-uncle, however, served in France.

Here's to all of them.

[londonronnie]

It certainly is amazing that all six of the brothers returned unharmed, I don't suppose many families were as lucky. What's especially poignant though is that their mother, my great-grandmother, died in the influenza pandemic just before the end of the war so she never knew that all her boys had survived.

[murphybabe]

C and I did the Lights Out hour last night and listened to the Radio 4 broadcast. It was very moving.

[londonronnie]

Oh, I wish I'd thought of Radio 4! I watched the proceedings from Westminster Abbey on tv but I think listening to the radio would have been more atmospheric.

[charliecochrane]

It was a truly moving moment. Mr C was quite overcome.

We couldn't work out if houses near us were dark or had their blinds drawn. I hope the former - will have to look out tonight to compare.

[londonronnie]

The whole day was very moving, wasn't it.

I looked out just before 11, but it was hard to tell which houses were in darkness. My neighbours immediately opposite had lights blazing all over the house.