Forgotten War Graves Remembered 1

Last year I discovered that my local church, St. Michael's in Boldmere, receives money from The Commonwealth War Graves Commission for the upkeep of the 18 War Graves in its cemetery. The bye-laws of the church yard state that the upkeep of graves is the responsibility of family. Now, given that there are five WW1 graves, and one of them is a Scot, what are the chances of any family knowing about them? So, I suggest, that this bye-law is a cop-out by the church. My guess is that the money they receive from CWGC goes into the general maintenance pot. There weren't even poppies placed on the war graves last Remembrance Sunday. I have e-mailed the church secretary twice asking the question. I have yet to receive a reply. I have also informed CWGC of my concerns.

In May 2012 I spent an afternoon plotting and recording each of the war graves. The idea being that on the given date of death I would place a floral tribute on the particular grave with a card inscribed with NOT FORGOTTEN. There are 18 graves in total. 5 Army lads from WW1; 5 RAF, 2 RN & 6 Army from WW2

Today's forgotten hero was 10984 Corporal FB Ward, King's Royal Rifle Corps, died of wounds 25th April 1915. I have been unable to find out anything about Cpl Ward but I do know that there was a large hospital in Sutton Coldfield Park. The park is approximately 1 mile from the church.

Not Forgotten