Countdown to Armistice – 3
3rd November 1918 Much movement to report as the Allies prepare for the next and last big push on a very wide front on the 4th (The Battle of the Sambre). The Canadians had captured Valenciennes on the 2nd and … Continued
3rd November 1918 Much movement to report as the Allies prepare for the next and last big push on a very wide front on the 4th (The Battle of the Sambre). The Canadians had captured Valenciennes on the 2nd and … Continued
2nd November 1918 Before we tell of what our 5 on the front-line are doing , here’s a resume of the significant others in our WW1 story…. Major Alfred Agius – he left the western front in August (we think) … Continued
1st November 1918 As we approach the centenary of The Armistice our thoughts will be with those who we’ve been following for the 4 years of the WW1 centenary, and , in particular , four who are still on the … Continued
In September 1917 Arthur’s brother Tancred, now Dom Ambrose of Downside Abbey and a Chaplain on the Western Front, was tending to the troops of the 21st Division Artillery west of Ypres not far from where brothers Edgar and Dickie … Continued
On Sunday 2nd August 1914 the 1/3 London Territorials were gathering at the station, on their way to summer training Camp. It was Bank Holiday weekend. Two days later, war is declared with Germany, and the Territorials are officially mobilised … Continued
In the calm before the (1914) storm – one last short note from Headmaster Ramsay to his former pupil, Dickie, before the end of term: “My dear Dick, Many thanks for your letter. I am delighted to hear that Dr … Continued
Dickie is finally home at the Grove and adds his own voice to the saga. He mentions sister in law Maggie Agius with great affection. She would be missing her own four younger brothers, currently over in Canada and Malta … Continued
There must have been a tearful reunion with Maria Concetta at the Grove, as ETA finally returns from his business trip abroad. He writes to Headmaster Ramsay on the 19th: “Dear Fr Ramsay, I have just returned from abroad and … Continued
“Dear Mrs Agius, I am in receipt of your letter. I had a talk with the doctor this morning. He tells me he cannot say for certain if Dick will be fit to go to camp. As far as I … Continued
Now that Maria Concetta has had two reports on Dickie from Headmaster Ramsay – and had time to think – she obviously feels (as any mother would) the unfortunate accident might have been avoided: “Dear Fr Ramsay, Thank you for … Continued