This was my grandfather William Thomas Aspley. He was a Colour Sargeant in the North Staffordshire Regiment and he was wounded in the head whilst fighting during World War 1. He was one of the lucky ones as he eventually recovered. His two brothers were not so lucky they died whilst fighting in France . Henry died age 19 on 25/09/1915 and is buried at Brewery Orchard Cemetry, Bois-Grenier , France. I am not sure about his other brother as I haven't been able to find out what happened to him so far. It is something I really should try to find out soon.
I can't being to imagine how my great grandmother must have felt to loose two sons who were so young and to have had another injured.
Grandad never talked about his time during the war. The only thing he ever told me about it was why his watch that he always wore had a grill on the top of it . It was to protect the glass from breaking when he was a soldier.
I used to love going to granny and grandads home which out in the country.A large farmhouse kitchen that always seem to always have dinner cooking on the range and granny making cups of very strong tea. I would spend hours rummaging through their cupboards and drawers which were full of letters, photo's, memories and even a gas mask. It was there I found some letters wrapped in bundles and written by my grandparents to each other during his time in the army and also during his time in hospital after his injury. I was fascinated by the fact that they addresses each other in Mr Aspley and Miss Jones even though I read of their intentions to marry.
How I wish whoever it was had not destroyed them. They would have been a remarkeable thing to have passed on in the family. But when the house was being cleared after they both died I ask for them and was told they were not there. Thankfully their photo's were there and I was given them. My brother received the watch and his medals.
I am in the process of putting together my family history. Not just for my sons but also my brothers family. Last year his daughter gave birth to Chloe the newest member and next year she is due to be joined by a brother. It is important that we pass on to them our own family history and the part they played in WW1
5 comments:
Lovely post, good luck with the family tree. I gave up on mine when I found out a few secrets :(
It is a shame that the letters were destroyed. I am glad that you managed to salvage the photos though. Godd luck with the research! x
That should say good luck! x
I enjoyed your post, Rosie - what a shame about the letters but it is good that the photos were saved. Good luck with your research - have you seen this site?
http://www.1914-1918.net/nstaffs.htm
Josie-I think I may have uncovered a few secrets in my family already.
Rosie-Thanks for the website.
Simone- Thanks x
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