100 years ago today, the United Kingdom, and with it the Commonwealth, entered the conflict that became known as the Great War, and in time, World War I. From that point, life in this country was indelibly changed. The horrific loss of life affected every family, every community. Family members, friends, neighbours—no-one was immune from loss. The mechanisation of war, with machine guns and tanks, poison gas and bombs, meant that the killing was on a horrific scale.

Our village suffered huge losses among its young men. The large part of a generation, wiped out.

There is a wonderful project by the Royal British Legion, Every Man Remembered, to memorialise every person from the Commonwealth who died in the conflict. You can memorialise someone you know, or select someone with no commemoration and add a message of remembrance and gratitude.

Poppies, the symbol of remembrance. Photo by David Wijnants.

Lest We Forget.