Portsmouth War Dead Remembered
Posted on 30th September 2013 by Julie and David Thomson in General News.
Earlier in September we welcomed Alan Laishley to No.fifty6.
Alan was born and raised in Portsmouth and a chance conversation with his Grandad led him to The Somme and researching the WW1 dead of Portsmouth.
Alan’s Grandad – Albert Ernest Bleach served in Ypres, The Somme, Greece and Turkey and during his time served he was gassed and shot, though survived.
Recent guests at No.fifty6 were the James family from Stony Stratford - mum Alison, dad Paul and their 15-year-old son Tom. The family have been inspired by events on The Somme, none more so than Tom. It was a chance conversation with his Great Uncle Pat that led Tom to first visit the Somme 5 years ago and his interest was ignited. Here we tell of Tom's research into his family's war hero.
The much anticipated BBC drama Wipers Times airs next Wednesday 11th September 2013 on BBC2. With an all star cast this much anticipated programme sees the small screen return of Michael Palin.
