WALKING IN GRAVEYARDS?

It may seem strange given my current health condition that Mick and I choose to walk in the graveyard at the back of our house.

For us it is a link to the history of the area and a place of quiet reflection. We remember others suffering and pain. Every grave has a story. We meditate and consider our own thoughts.

There are a large number of traditional travelling family (Romany) family graves the Lee's, Smith's and Brazil's to name but three. The graves have a distinctive ornate style and often give many family members details.

There are 68 graves which are defined as war graves, First and Second World War and includes 2 Home Guard. Most particular in interest is the Grave of a RFC officer 2nd Lt John Hardie of the Royal Flying Corps who died age 19 on 05/02/1918 (one of the early few) the grave is not a traditional war grave it is unique and in need of repair.


Our own particular favourite since it is feet from our wall is the grave of Reginal George Fair LOWTHER a Petty Officer Stoker RH who died 23.09.1944. He lies under a small oak tree which is so appropriate given the tradition in the Navy of HEARTS OF OAK.


There is a most important recently restored memorial to the 13 victims of the Slade Green explosion on Monday 18/02/1924 (8.45 - 9am) when 12 young women aged 16 -24 and their foreman died following an explosion that occured while they were 'breaking down' Verey Light cartridges - an extension of war munitions work. It fits so well with my research into the work available to women in the interwar period. See BEXLEY EXTRA 24/02/2006 page 14 for full story.

I will attach some pictures from the location.

Never ignore graveyards, visit them where ever you go to find out about the history of an area and the nature of death and rememberance rituals. Indispensable if researching family history.


Love Granny