A collection of pictures sent in by Martin. Mostly of Mum (Margarita), and a few of Dad (Joe) together with sister Sonia.

And a couple of Sonia, and Margarita on what looks like a trip to Wisbech and meeting up with Granny and cousins.

WYN IN WORLD WAR 1

Some further information and pictures on Wyn’s exploits in World War 1. It turns out, from his military record, that he was wounded twice during his service! Of course we know about him being wounded near the end of the war and returning to England but if anyone has any information on the other occasion then please get in touch as currently unable to establish what happened and when.

Wyn's military roll of honour. This informs us of him being mentioned in despatches twice and also wounded twice during the war.
Wyn's Medal Rolls Index card from the National Archives. This is the M.I.D medal (mention in despatches) from 1917. Unfortunately a lot of the records held were destroyed during the second world war.
Copy of Wyn's pension card held in the National Archives.
Announcement in the London Gazette of Wyn's promotion to temporary Captain in October 1915. It was a rapid rise from 2nd Lieutenant, but at the start of the war Captains were the first to go 'over the top' and as a result many were lost. Subsequently Captains were held back from any first waves of attack as the military could not afford to lose the number of experienced soldiers they had.
Further announcement in the London Gazette of Wyn's appointment as Captain with precedence from June 1916.
A supplement to the London Gazette of June 1916. This provides the names of those mentioned by General Sir Douglas Haig in his despatches for their 'gallant and distinguished conduct in the field' and includes Wyn's first mention.
Wyn's second mention in despatches from the third supplement to the London Gazette on 21st December 1917.

In October 1915 Wyn’s regiment did a short tour on what is known as ‘Hill 62’, just east of Ypres. It was here that trenches of each side were less than a hundred yards apart and both were engaged in active mining operations. The area is now a commemoration site and the tunnels and trenches are the original (with some reinforcement work undertaken through the decades) and they provide a really good feel for what life must have been like in the mud and misery of the war.

Here is Wyn marching with his men through Ypres Square, circa1916
Ypres Square in 2024
The village of Croiselles in 2024, where Wyn was shot in August 1918