Remembrance Day

Today’s Remembrance Day marks the 103rd anniversary of the Armistice that ended the First World War. Both my Grandfathers took part in the conflict and survived. But Percy Fernley wasn’t as lucky. Nineteen year old Percy was enlisted in the Manchester Regiment and died on the first day of the Battle of Paschendale. As far as I can make out, he was dead within ten minutes of the start of the battle on 31st July 1917. But there is no record of exactly when, where and how he died.

Every year I leave a poppy at the war memorial in Malton to remember him. He is my cousin, although I still have some research left to do to establish the exact link with him. I will make sure that is complete before next year.