Photo and following information kindly provided by Jacqui Meekins: "Alf, or 16007 Lance Corporal William James Meekins of the 1st / 1st Battalion Cambridgeshire Regiment died on 23rd September 1918 following the Battle of Epehy in Northern France. Alf had been in the army for the whole four years of the war so it's terribly sad that he died so near the end of it. I don't know what injuries he sustained but I know he died five days after being wounded because my Grandad was also in the trenches at that time and asked permission to visit his brother which was refused - something that upset Grandad for the rest of his life. Apparently, the last time Alf was home on leave before he died, he really didn't want to go back and his father had to make him go, so you can imagine how my Great Grandad felt when Alf was killed. When Alf did go back, he kept coming back to the top of the road (Fletcher Rd in Acton) to wave. It was as if he knew he wouldn't be seeing the family again. Alf is buried in the war grave at Epehy Wood Farm Cemetary.
Photo and following information kindly provided by Jacqui Meekins: "Alf, or 16007 Lance Corporal William James Meekins of the 1st / 1st Battalion Cambridgeshire Regiment died on 23rd September 1918 following the Battle of Epehy in Northern France. Alf had been in the army for the whole four years of the war so it's terribly sad that he died so near the end of it. I don't know what injuries he sustained but I know he died five days after being wounded because my Grandad was also in the trenches at that time and asked permission to visit his brother which was refused - something that upset Grandad for the rest of his life. Apparently, the last time Alf was home on leave before he died, he really didn't want to go back and his father had to make him go, so you can imagine how my Great Grandad felt when Alf was killed. When Alf did go back, he kept coming back to the top of the road (Fletcher Rd in Acton) to wave. It was as if he knew he wouldn't be seeing the family again. Alf is buried in the war grave at Epehy Wood Farm Cemetary. 
2 comments:
My Grandad (Reginald Flack) was there too, and his brother (Frederick John). Frederick was killed and is buried in the same cemetery. They would have known each other I guess.
Very Sad story Karen
Kind Regards
Richard Great Grandson of Henry (Epsom)
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