I have booked a trip to Gallipoli for October. For me there are two major aims. First, to follow my Grandfather’s footsteps when he won the MC soon after landing at Suvla Bay "A" beach on 15/08/15 and thereafter he was in and out of Hill 60 until wounded at the end of October. The second is to visit my cousin’s grave at Anzac Cove, that of Sgt Sid Parkes of 6 Light Horse Regiment. He was a regular who had fought in the Boar War. He died 25/05/15 from a sniper and was the first casualty in his regiment after landing.

Pictures form recent Somme trip, July, concentration was on Gommecourt, Serre and parts of Fortress Thiepval

https://www.flickr.com/photos/65879810@N04/sets/72157645679841139/

Time is marching on and I have to start preparing this year’s Somme trip.We have six who have never been before so it’s a First Day top to tail tour. With bikes lubed (!) it off at Gommecourt and down to Maricourt (where my Godmother’s Uncle led the 2nd Wave British attack next to the French) , two days worth maybe more, before tacking the woods, Ancre and later months of the battle. Further afield, Arras and Cambrai perhaps.

Right, start reading up and reminding…

I was honoured to represent the British Resistance Movement (Auxiliary Units / Churchill’s Secret Army) at the Cenotaph Service yesterday. It was a very special occasion and a significant experience in my life. I do not exaggerate. On a personal level I would like to thank Tom Sykes and Bill Ashby for their interest in my Grandfather, Malcolm, and dedication to the cause.

I met some wonderful people on the day and all the marchers touched me. Thank you all.

Delighted and honoured to have been offered a place on the Cenotaph March on Remembrance Sunday representing the British Resistance, with whom my grandfather proudly served.

http://www.coleshillhouse.com/march-at-the-cenotaph-campaign.php

http://www.coleshillhouse.com/major-malcolm-ernest-hancock-mc.php

Buffy on German machine gun post – Beaucourt.

Rotten Row, Delville Wood – weren’t they all?!

Fricourt German Cemetery.

A friend found this in Mash Valley

Canal at Ors where Wilfred Owen died.

Investigating a dugout??

Wilfred Owen’s memorial building, nr Ors.

The cellar where Owen spent his last night.

Albert from ridge between Fricourt and La Boiselle.

Last week I received an email out of the blue from Malcolm Harris. I was moved to read it and am indebted to Malcolm for contacting me.

It effectively links a moment in time 98 years ago when his grandfather, John Rideout, and my grandfather, Malcolm Hancock, fought together in Gallipoli.  John was wounded and Malcolm carried him to safety.

I have created a page recalling the incident called Malcolm Hancock & John Rideout, dedicated to them both.