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A good representation of the 2PARAREUNION club attended ALAN DEVIOLE's funeral today at Canley Crematorium in Coventry. A freezing foggy day, didn't deter the large numbers of ex Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces members and mourners.
Alan died on the 10th February after his own battle against cancer.
Following the service I received a call from Colonel James Chiswell, which was poignant, insofar, it referred to GRAVEWATCH, and our attempt as a REUNION club to care for graves around the country and the world that have fallen into disrepair.
He was in full support of our project started after Albert Owen asked me to have a look at Chris Irelands grave at Bedford last year on the anniversary of Warrenpoint.
You all know what followed. A request went out to all serving members and, ex members of the Airborne Forces and PRA's to search their own "back yards" for any graves that needed our attention, so a central register could be started to ensure we never again found a grave left in serious disrepair, as a result of a families neglect through illness, death or moving away.
It has spurred all the other Battalions and Airborne formations attached to 16 Air Assault, into collating a central register for all "Airborne Grave sites" in the world, so they can be tended.
Following the conversation today with Colonel Chiswell, positive action is due to be made regarding GRAVEWATCH with his full and enthusiastic assistance.
Thanks to our President Major Nick Copperwaite, Chairman Dave Singletary and Al Jones for their continued support for this project.
Sorry guys, and to the family members if you are getting the words Cancer, moving, and anniversary, highlighted in blue, it is a site issue which Al's working on.
Gil
Last edited by Gil Boyd on Tue Feb 19, 2008 6:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Below we see the guys that traveled to Coventry to attend Alan's funeral. The wreath depicting a red beret is being held by Alan's two brothers Dave and Paul.
A real good show lads, no brother should go the final RV alone, you did us all proud, as for GIL ,a real job you have done on this graveyard issue, again no brother should have his final resting place in disrepair, glad to see James behind thhe project, again WELL DONE the lads.
Both Albert Owens and I have today finalised the list of "known" graves of 144 fallen members of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces spread around graveyards in both the UK and the world who died in various conflicts and other reasons.
These details are definitive and hold service numbers and exact locations where are comrades are buried.
I stated this list was definitive, however, please do let one of us know if you find the grave of a member of the Brigade on your travels, so that the details can be checked to confirm that they are accurate.
Obviously due to security reasons this list is only held by named individuals and will not be published.
Gil
Joined: Tue Mar 18, 2008 4:38 pm Posts: 359 Location: Between this life and the next.
Well done Gil & Albert job well done.
_________________ "If there are casualties of war then remember that when they woke up and got dressed in the morning they did not plan to die this day. Allow them dignity in death. Bury them properly and mark their graves". Col Tim Collins
Ref Grave watch. Dose this progect to collect names of all airborne
include the T.A. Airborne. Who have fallen on E.X.
Or Active Service just a thought.
Hoggie,
As posted on the other site, for those on here, just so you all know.
AIRBORNE is AIRBORNE, ALL names whether Regular or TA are included in GRAVEWATCH.
All the lads from the keil Canal are on it as well as others we have been found in our researching.
IMPORTANT
If you visit a grave please log the actual grave number, so that in future years when we have all gone, if the stone has dissappeared or whatever, they can still find the actual grave and remains.
Gil
GIL, Got the photo"s thanks a lot mate,we have got to do something about Mick"s beret, it"s not as big as the last one,he is getting there,one day maybe,again many thanks also the birthday wishes .Trev
Just for your information, we have now tracked down 182 PARA Reg and AIRBORNE graves which includes accidents like Keil/River Trent disaster/Hastings Crash Abingdon and many more since 1945, which is what we are aiming to do.
Thanks to all who have helped in tending the graves, and please keep a watch for more.
Gil
Roly,
Appreciate a photo and the exact location of his grave mate as we haven't got him down at all, presumably as 22 took ownership so to speak!! He should really be on our list as well as his parent Regiment was PARA REG. He was a great bloke too!!
Gil
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