September 2026  - A Very Busy Month With September Stories to be told.

September – a favourite month here with its golden light and changing landscape. The month started with a little rain, but generally it has continued very dry and warm, the sun setting earlier over the valley giving spectacular sunsets and orange skies while we have dinner. There are still crops to be harvested -  maize, potatoes and sugar beet - the farmers waiting for rain to fatten things up before harvest. All the farmers agree the heat and dryness this summer have meant poor harvests, which means that prices will be going up in the shops for all food commodities.

It has been great weather for walking this month – and many of our guests have strolled the tracks of the Somme, finding history, and in many cases finding themselves as The Somme is a good place to sort your own thoughts  out.

September Somme

There has been lots going on here busy, busy as ever with a few additional things thrown in. A couple of commemorations/inaugurations and even a trip back to England for us for a gorgeous family wedding.

In the last few months we have shared some “last letters home” stories which continue to resonate with everyone. So much so, that the lovely Tricia got in touch after the last newsletter. She writes:

I was struck by your theme of last letters from the front. You may remember that I mentioned the story of young Lieutenant McVicker, whose grave I visited in Dantzig Alley cemetery when I stayed with you. He is one of my heroes, and on the few occasions when I have plucked up courage to talk about my grandfather’s book I try to mention him, because he so much deserves to be remembered.

I have looked out my notes of the last talk in which I mentioned this man, and converted it from bullet points to a proper script, but still including the slides I used. It is a little while since I gave this talk, and reading the account of Edgar McVicker again now, it still upsets me, even though I have read it many times before.

I know that you always have plenty of stories to fill the newsletter from the very many people who visit you to pay tribute to members of their families whose lives were lost in WW1, but you may just have space to remember Edgar Harold McVicker, especially while you are on the topic of last letters, and especially as this September marks the 110^th anniversary of his death. But please don’t worry on my account if there isn’t room, or you would rather focus on the stories of those who have visited you this month. I shall completely understand.

Tricia, it is our pleasure to include Lieutentat Edgar McVicker here. You write so beautifully of him and we imagine the young man he was. It brought a lump to our throats.

Here is Tricia’s account of Lieutenant McVicker.

Lieutenant Edgar Harold McVicker RAMC is one of my absolute heroes.

He went to France January 1916 with the 2/1 Wessex Field Ambulance, the medical unit attached to 55^th (West Lancashire) Division, the Division in which 2/5^th Lancashire Fusiliers were throughout 1916.

The War Diary of 2/1 Wessex Field Ambulance shows that he joined them at the beginning of 1916, and was temporarily seconded to the 2/5^th Lancashire Fusiliers as their Medical Officer on 2/9/1916. A week later, on 9/9/1916, he was manning the Regimental Aid Post at the front during an attack on Ginchy in which, my grandfather, Norman Hall, was seriously injured. He was the first to treat my grandfather, and Norman describes in his diary how Lieutenant McVicker plugged and dressed his wounds, and sent him on his way.

Norman then goes on to describe how, as he was being stretchered away to the next post:

“McVicker ran out. “Got your helmet?” he asked “Yes, do you want it?” asked one of the stretcher bearers. “No fear – put that officer’s helmet on, the Boche are gas shelling down the road.”

Norman later learned that soon after he left the aid post it was blown in and Lieutenant McVicker was killed.

He was buried in Dantzig Alley British Cemetery, Mametz,  he was only son of Canadian parents from Toronto. I was shocked to learn that he was only 23, a year younger than Norman, and I realised that he would have only recently qualified as a doctor. At the time when I first read his story, my own son, aged about 20, was doing a medical degree, so I was only too aware what a challenge a newly-qualified doctor would have faced, manning an aid post at the front, probably single-handedly, with horrific injuries being brought in to him for treatment; yet this young doctor even had the presence of mind to think of Norman’s gas helmet.

The inscription on his headstone, which is more personal than most, would have been chosen by his parents. It reads: Our son died as he lived, careless of self, caring for others.” That sentiment is perfectly illustrated by the short account given by Norman.

On the 104^th anniversary of his death I posted a tribute to him on the “In Memoriam” section of the Great War Forum website, and was amazed to receive a response from a distant relative of his in Canada, who told me that Edgar had not been an only son originally, but that his brother had died, aged 7, in 1896, which he thought was what first prompted Edgar to study medicine. He told me that Edgar graduated from Toronto University in May 1915, and he directed me to the Canadian Government’s Memorial website where I found some photographs of Lieutenant McVicker, one of which is shown below. I also found various newspaper cuttings, including the newspaper article which is shown below from the Toronto Star for 28 November 1916 headed “Felt Death at Hand”.

The newspaper article quotes extract from Edgar’s last letter to his father, written a few days before his death. The extract reads:

“it is awfully hard to write this letter, but I think it is best for some way or other I have the feeling that I will not come out alive. It is a funny feeling, but in no way does it deter me from wanting to go into action with my regiment. If I am killed you will know that I died doing my duty to the best of my ability, and never shirking what I saw was my duty.”

There is nothing that I can add to that, save to express gratitude to that young man for his competent treatment of my grandfather, which would surely have been a significant factor in enabling Norman to survive, when he himself did not.

There is indeed nothing that I can add to that.

Best wishes,

Tricia

Nor for us to add – only that we hope it encourages some of our readers to visit Edgar McVicker in Dantzig Alley. It is the most beautiful of resting places. And Tricia – thank you for allowing us to share the story. And if you are interested in Tricia’s book  - her Grandfather’s diaries – A Lancashire Fusiliers First World War, please visit Tricia’s website:

https://alancashirefusilier.wixsite.com/1914-18/book

September Guests

September is always one of our busiest months. We are delighted that so many old friends and new came through our door to share their stories and explore this hallowed landscape. We love what we do and sharing it with our wonderful guests is just perfect, though as we are first up and last to bed every day, we are kept very busy, but we are on fine form, knowing that looking after ourselves and each other is the most important thing of all! 

Alison, Tom and Paul came from Stony Stratford as they do every year. We have seen Tom grow from a 14-year-old with a love of family history to the young man of nearly 30 who still cares about family history and is enjoying life and his travels. Paul and Tom visited the Albert Airshow this year which has become a tradition, sadly on one of the few summer days when it rained, but still a great experience. He always makes a pilgrimage to Hermies Hill British Cemetery to see his ancestor James Lyman MM, 2nd Battalion Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry.  We have written of James in previous newsletters and it is so wonderful Tom continues to visit and remember.

Paul, Alison and Tom.

James came on his Suzuki Bandit bike just like last year – also for the Airshow and to visit family members buried here, including

Great Uncle Cecil Thomas Betts, 2^nd Bedfordshire Regiment. He arrived in France July 1915 and fought throughout the ensuing battles before being admitted to hospital at Etaples where he died of his wounds and pneumonia on 2^nd December 1918.

James’s great grandfather was Charles Henry Francis who served with the 2^ndBattalion Middlesex Regiment. He was a regular, enlisting in 1908 and was stationed in Malta before disembarking in France in 1914. He was here for the Somme battle and was part of the advance across Mash Valley, outside our front door.  Charles survived and saw out the rest of the war, being discharged in December 1918. Charles had a brother who also served – Driver Alfred Henry Newson of C/95 Brigade Royal Field Artillery. He came to France in September 1915 and saw out the War, being discharged from the RFA in May 1919.

Some of the memorabilia James brought with him.

James’s great uncle was Private Henry Charles Gray of the 8^th East Surrey Regiment. A poignant return visit to Carnoy Military Cemetery was made where Henry was laid to rest 2 graves along from Captain Wilfred (Billie) Nevill, the renowned Captain from the East Surreys. Henry died alongside his comrade Lance Corporal Lynn, both of them killed on 28 June 1916, just before The Big Push.

James with his Bandit.

Sonia and Ronnie came from the Netherlands and like last year, spent a week with us. There were visits all over the Somme, much photography and seeking out the deer in Delville Wood who hold a special place with Sonja and Ronnie. Ronnie bought with him some Tukker caramel schnapps – shared over the dinner table. A local sweet brew which went down well.

Sonja and Ronnie.

Making their first visit to us – though not new to the Somme were brothers Mick & Ian and husband and wife Michael and Chris. The 4 became friends on a Somme visit some years ago. A chance conversation with one of our guests at the Ulster Tower last year led them to our door. We are so pleased they found us.

Michael and Chris.    Brothers Ian & Mick

Mick, Ian, Mike and Chris always travel at the same time of year as they coincide their visits to remember Mick and Ian’s Great Grandfather Edward James Wilmot.

Edward and his twin brother Oliph were born 7 October 1887 at St Pancras. Edward was a grocer’s assistant and Oliph a newspaper seller.

The twin brothers Edward and Oliph

Edward married Bessie in 1913, a son Edward John was born in 1914.

Edward and Bessie on their Wedding Day.

Edward joined the 16^th Battalion Rifle Brigade at St Pancras during the early phase of the war. The battalion arrived at Le Havre in March 1916. They went to Sailly Sur Lys for trench instruction. In early April they were in Givenchy and Festubert sectors. On 4^th July 1916 they took part in an unsuccessful raid on a small salient of enemy trenches known as The Pope’s Nose. In early August they moved to Bertrancourt and on 2^ndSeptember the battalion moved to take up position for an attack north of the river Ancre, with Edward now a Serjeant. The start point of the attack was close to what is now Ancre British Cemetery. The task was to secure the high ground WNW of St Pierre Divion. The attack began at 05h10 on 3^rd September. Sadly, the whole operation was a failure with the attack called off at 11h15. The battalion casualties for the action were 37 killed, 242 wounded and 178 missing. Edward was killed in action and is buried in Hamel British Cemetery. His twin Oliph survived the war, went on to marry, had no childen, and died in 1952. What must he have thought, knowing his twin brother died in action?

Edward James Wilmot  - Serjeant P/125 16th Battalioon Rifle Brigade

Every 3rd September Ian and Mick visit Edward's grave as well as the position near where he died. A few years ago they made a memorial cross to mark that place and we have often seen it on our walks on the track alongside Ancre British Cemetery. This year, like the last few, Ian and Mick lovingly restore the memorial cross, getting it ready for what the elements throw at it over the winter.  As they stand and reflect on their Great Grandfather’s service and sacrifice it puts their world into perspective. Thank you too to Mick and Ian for helping us out with some repairs at Lochnagar Crater.

The memorial cross where Edward died the Wilmot Brothers lovingly resore each September. 

The 4 friends have already booked for next September.

We had a very special visit from Jenny, who was our neighbour when we lived in the UK and is a friend who has always kept in touch. It was lovely having Jenny here and catching up on all her news and of her son Ollie who we saw grow up in England and is now a wonderful young man. We reminisced about old times and had many laughs. Thank you for visiting Jenny.

Jenny

At the same time Terry Whenham came with friend Jon and 2 brothers Matt and Andy. Terry guided them as they followed their ancestor Private 146104 Charles Law 1/1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry a pilgrimage which took them to Monchy le Preux (near Arras) as well as The Somme. The Yeomanry were a cavalry regiment and were involved in the 11^th April 1917 cavalry charge at Monchy. Charles was wounded and was evacuated to the tunnels at Vimy for treatment. “He never talked about it but he had a piece of shrapnel in the lower part of his leg, below the knee. When he was anaesthetised, the surgeon told him he would lose his leg but it was still there when he woke. There was always a big hole in his leg.”

Brothers Matt and Andy loved their time with Terry following in Charles’s footseps.

Jon, Andy, Matt and Terry.

Then we had a lovely house party, as we so often do. Connections made at no.fifty6 seem to endure. Michael and Alan from Hartlepool joined us for several days  - they had looked forward to their visit all year since their last visit.

This time Michael brought us a special gift -  a framed Memorial Plaque and photo of 2^nd Lieutenant Gwilliam Ross of the 8^th Gloucesters . On his last visit Michael had left us with Gwilliam’s story book of the research Michael had undertaken on him. Michael said it is only right that his story is told here as he was one of the men who was killed in action in our village of La Boisselle in the Gloucesters attack on 3^rd July 1916. The same attack for which Adrian Carton de Wiart was awarded the Victoria Cross. Gwilliam’s remains were never found and he is one of the missing listed on the Thiepval Memorial. His widow Gladys was sent his medals, war gratuity and pension. But she did not have the final closure of knowing Gwilliam’s final resting place, other than he was killed in action in this village. 

The plaque and photo of Gwilliam Ross.

As we walk through our village we think of Gwilliam and others who lie here still and hope they are at rest knowing that wonderful people like Michael are ensuring their stories are not forgotten.  We are honoured that Michael has entrusted us with his Memorial Plaque and that his story will be told. When you are next with us, please take a look at the very detailed story book Michael has put together.

There is something so giving and wonderful that happens around our table. To the extent that David from Taunton met Michael and Alan on a previous visit, and coincided his visit with theirs this time. David had a wonderful week in shared company.  The same is true for Caroline from Melbourne, Australia,  who came for a week just as she did last September. Caroline likes nothing better than striding off on her own across the landscape of the Somme, a favourite peanut butter sandwich in her pocket.

They were also joined by Madeleine and Freddy from Belgium, who volunteer at The Passchendaele Museum and Alan and Madeleine in particular discussed their mutual love of postcards and history.

Caroline, Chris, Sally, Alan, Madeleine, Michael, David & Freddie.

Friendships made here really do endure.

And with that thought, dear Sally and Chris came from Wales and spent a lovely week helping us and helping at Lochnagar as well as exploring their favourite places on the Somme. Not just guests, Sally and Chris are very special friends who mean so much to us.

The Beaumonts, mum and dad Ange and Chris and son Tom and his wife Holly are regular visitors. Last time Tom and Holly came, David was ready to call the midwife as Holly was nearing her due date with “bump Beaumont”. So not strictly his first visit but we were thrilled that young Charlie made his own steps here this time as a toddler. The Beaumont love of history we are sure will continue but this time there was more Paw Patrol than Dawn Patrol. We loved having you all here and again thank you for your kindnesses.

Charlie loved the kitties!

George came from Scotland for his first visit to us but not his first visit to The Somme. With an interest in both Hockey (as a former player) and military history George seeks out men from the Argyll and Sutherland Regiment and also those who played hockey for Scotland – sometimes both!

He loved his time here. We were also grateful to get George’s advice as a retired vet – as young Stevie the cat has been poorly. His advice very welcome – and Stevie was very happy to sit on George’s lap!

Then Nathan's first visit to the Somme to follow in the footsteps of his Great Uncle. Before his visit, Nathan wrote:

"My great uncle was killed, missing in action on September 3rd 1916. I know he was in the 10th rifles and that his battalion formed up the night before the battle of Guillemont, in Trones Wood. His company had taken a German trench but was killed when the Germans shelled their old lines. I have just a full day. My ambition is to walk to and from Trones, onward to Guillemont. I’d like to collect a small pot of the soil there and bring it home to the village he was from which hasn’t changed much since he left (Forest Green, Surrey). Obviously I also want to stand by his name at Theipval before I leave. Any help you can give me in achieving this would be greatly appreciated. I’ll try to do as much research as I can before getting there."

Nathan achieved all of his objectives on a very emotional visit. As he rode away on his Royal Enfield Himalaya bike, he was a happy bunny.

Nathan points out where his Great Uncle fought and fell.

Toward month end we had a wonderful visit from a Canadian family. Liz came from near Calgary, in the foothills of the mountains and lakes. She was joined by son Mike who lives in Vancouver and daughter Heather and son in law Geoff from Winnipeg. They were on a family pilgrimage as Liz’s grandfather served with the 43^rd Battalion Canadian Infantry.

Mike, Liz, Heather & Geoff

Charles Edwin Nicoll emigrated from Dundee to Canada just before the war. He enlisted with the 43^rdBattalion (Cameron Highlanders of Canada).

In France he left home in Regina Saskatchewan 2 daughters, one of whom was Liz’s mother, aged just 2 in 1916.

Charles was 34 when he went into the attack at 04h50 on 8 October 1916 to the North of Courcelette, attacking Regina Trench. The name of the trench not lost on those Canadian soldiers. The assault was catastrophic with many officers and men mown down by the German fire power that morning, many not getting far from their jumping off positions between the West and East Miraumont Roads. Charles was one of those who did not make it – killed in action. For over a year his widow hoped that he had been taken prisoner or was injured and forgotten who he was as he was missing, not confirmed dead. Eventually in 1917 he was officially pronounced killed in action on 8 October 1916, though at that time he was not buried in a military cemetery. We were able to fill in a few gaps for Liz, though she had done so much great research herself. Charles is laid to rest in Regina Trench Cemetery – this much she knew – and had visited the grave about 16 years ago with son Mike. We talked through Charles’s concentration record with Liz which shows his body was moved into Regina Trench Cemetery in March 1919 while the Canadian Burial parties were clearing the battlefield. His body was found at that time where he had fallen – to the north of Courcelette, between the West and East Miraumont Roads. His Disc helping to identify him.

Liz was very moved to visit the place where her grandfather fell and where he now rests. The man who went to Canada for a new life and to raise a family in Regina, now forever in the fields of France in the beautiful Regina Trench Cemetery.

Charle Edwin Nicoll

Finally this month dear Manon visited from The Netherlands. She first came to us in March 2024 and has since visited several times and it feels like we have known Manon for ages, particularly as her family and friends have visited at various times at Manon's recommendation!  Manon brings a joy and enthusiasm with her as she traverses The Somme, each day seeking out new details, looking for field finds or following up on personal stories which interest her. There were 16km walks, fabulous lunches, stories shared over dinner and new notes written in her ever handy notebook. Aways happy to share acoss the table, we all learn from each other. Dear Manon, safe homeward to home near Breda and we will see you for more Somme adventures next spring.       

Manon

Everyone has their own reasons for coming to The Somme. One thing is clear, this special place gets under your skin and likes to reveal its secrets. Research never stops, new secrets reveal themselves and always there is a story to be told.

So, you can see it has been a busy month and it has been wonderful sharing The Somme history with everyone.

To all those affected by War and conflict today, to the lads who made it home, and to those that stay close by to us,  we remember you all.

Animal Memorial Pozieres

On 12 September an inauguration ceremony was held at The Animal Memorial at Pozieres, and we helped with official translations on the day.

Two organisations - The UK Donkey Breed Society and UK War Horse Association had commissioned 2 new silhouettes to be installed at the Animal Memorial. So, in the presence of these 2 organisations, local elected representatives and dear Mike Lee from Australia who is President of the Moulin Coeur du Patrimoine Association, the 2 amazing silhouettes of a donkey and horse surrounded by purple poppies were inaugurated. The real stars of the show were the donkeys, horses, working dogs  and carrier pigeons who came along too.

The War Horse Silhouette.          The Donkey silhouette with The Donkey Breed Society.

Another star was Roy Palmer, Chelsea Pensioner and Town Crier, who is ambassador for the War Horse Association. He spoke passionately and eloquently about animals. He joined us for dinner and sent us copies of his books of poems. He spoke too of life as a Chelsea Pensioner and what that historic organisation he represents in scarlet means to him. It was wonderful to meet you Roy and your delightful companion Sandra. Clearly 2 very special people.

Julie with Roy and Sandra

Inauguration of The Lochnagar Walkway

We said has been a busy month! On 15^th September, as part of the team of Trustees, we held a ceremony to inaugurate the newly finished walkway at Lochnagar Crater. As well as many public donations, The Lochnagar Crater France Association had received 2 grants – one from the Region Hauts de France, and one from The Somme Department. Our application for grants was accepted by the authorities as we will continue our work on remembrance and education and also have improved the walkway to remove the steps to allow better access for those with reduced mobility.

So, the inauguration was to explain the work carried out, see the finished results and say thank you to the French officials for their financial support for Lochnagar.

Lochnagar always will be free to visit at any time, not commercialised in any way and our message of Peace, Remembrance and Reconciliation will continue – just as Chairman and owner Richard Dunning has always made it his work to do. A thank you too, to our guests and friends who give of their time, and from their pocket to help Lochnagar in so many ways. You are truly special.

Margaux from Somme Department & Rebecca cut the walkway ribbon.   An explanatory walk around The Crater.

Storm Repairs

Thank you to those who ask how our storm repairs are going. For anyone new to the newsletter we had a once in a lifetime storm here on 20 June which resulted in severe damage to our cars and house roofs.

The roofer has completed the repairs to the property’s terracotta tiled roof and we have new guttering – hurrah.

The dining room (verandah) roof has been technically measured up and will be fully replaced,  the new large panels are on order – date for installation tbc.

The cars – the MG has a new windscreen and is in the garage for body work repairs which the insurers have agreed to cover.

Our new Renault is still missing in action. Current status in the garage “being repaired” so we continue to have a temporary replacement Clio. How long is temporary? Gallic shrug. We wrote the same paragraph last month. Still a Gallic shrug.

We are still smiling though.

Measuring up for the new roof.

A Family Wedding

Our lovely niece Jessica got married to her handsome groom James in Egham in Surrey on 18^th September so we closed for a few days to hop over the Channel. It was wonderful service – David had a new suit, Julie a new dress and hat – and Julie was a very proud Aunt to read a poem at the service. There was also much dancing, good food, fizz and laughter. A joyous occasion and we wish the newlyweds much happiness. We love a wedding!

Animal Postscript

As mentioned earlier dear little Stevie the kitten has been poorly. She is much, much smaller than her siblings and vet George says it is probably more than just a respiratory problem, it could be a congenital defect as she is not growing. So we keep her well nourished and give her a happy life and she is certainly the one who seeks out cuddles from guests who don’t mind cats! We still have our no cats in the house policy but they do all try their luck. We will keep you posted about Stevie.

David’s September Joke:

Our local butcher in Albert is offering 8 legs of venison for €150.

Is that two dear?

All is well at no.fifty6. We hope to see you soon.

Flat Iron Copse, Mametz.