ypres

Charles Robert Blackett born in the third quarter of 1894 Fenton, Staffs. The second son of the Reverend William Robert Blacket [b.1862 Esh, Co. Durham] and Lavinia Blacket nee Jackson [b.1863 Cleckheaton, Yorks. d.1940]. His father was the vicar of St Michael & All Angels church, Smethcott, Salop. Charles was, until his death, the couple’s only surviving son. Their first child, Orwn William Blackett [b.1891] had died in infancy. The 1901 census records him living at the rectory of St Michael & All Angels with his parents and two domestic ervants. The 1911 census records as a boarder at School House, one of the boarding houses of Hereford Cathedral School. I cannot fine any reference to him in the London Gazette. Killed in action on 25th April 1916. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate and also on the Hereford Cathedral School War Memorial and the War Memorial in St Michael & All Angels Church, Smethcott. The Smethcott local history site has the following entry about that War Memorial; “While carrying out restoration work on the Roll of Honour a sheet of paper was discovered hidden at the back of the frame. The original has been returned to it's hiding place. The list identifies all those from Smethcote Parish who fought in the Great War. Judging by old church records, the handwriting is that of the Reverend W. R. Blackett. Sadly, the first name he wrote on the list was that of his own son.”

AI Overview

This image displays a historic trench map of Belgium, specifically Sheet 28 NW, Edition 4B, created at a scale of 1:20000.
This type of map was crucial during World War I, particularly in areas like Ypres, where trench warfare was prevalent.
The map likely details features such as trenches, tracks, dugouts, and possibly cemeteries, providing vital information for military operations.
Older versions of these maps, like the one shown, were often meticulously traced and updated to reflect changes in the battlefield.
The red markings on the map indicate corrected trench lines or other updated information, reflecting the dynamic nature of the front lines.

To My Chum

No more we’ll share the same old barn
The same old dug-out, same old yarn,
No more a tin of bully share
Nor split our rum by a star-shell’s glare
So long old lad.

What times we’ve had, both good and bad,
We’ve shared what shelter could be had,
The same crump-hole when the whizz-bangs shrieked,
The same old billet that always leaked,
And now – you’ve “stopped one”.

We’d weathered the storms two winters long
We’d managed to grin when all went wrong,
Because together we fought and fed,
Our hearts were light; but now – you’re dead
And I am mateless.

Well, old lad, here’s peace to you,
And for me, well, there’s my job to do,
For you and the others who are at rest
Assured may be that we’ll do our best
In vengeance.

Just one more cross by a strafed roadside,
With its G.R.C., and a name for guide,
But it’s only myself who has lost a friend,
And though I may fight through to the end,
No dug-out or billet will be the same,
All pals can only be pals in name,
But we’ll all carry on till the end of the game
Because you lie there.

The Wipers Times

Google map: maps.app.goo.gl/WgNoatRPeXd3kfEPA

[aside] Recommended - 'The Wipers Times' (2013) full movie - www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYjdT6bXsqE

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wipers_Times

Near Ypres

maps.app.goo.gl/JojqHnqATQQz7nVj7

Claude McCaul Alson born 29th September 1892 Allahabad, Bengal, India. The middle child, and only son of Charles Ross Alston [b.1863 d.1937] and Frances Car Alston nee Howard [b.1864 d.1949]. His father is a Barrister. The 1911 census records him living at a lodging house in Hampstead, Lonon. His occupation is recorded as being in the Army but he is further described as “Coasting”. Was he on leave as an Officer Cadet before being commissioned? According to De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour, Claude was educated at Carterhouse School and joined the Royal Scots Fusiliers as 2nd Lt on 4th September 1912 and promoted to Lieutenant on 27th October 1914. An unofficial regimental history records that he was killed on the 25th October but all other sources show the 27th. This was possibly while in support of the Northumberland Fusiliers during the first battle of Ypres. His entry in the National Probate Calendar records that his estate of £95 was left to his father.