tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636059.post3319808294595503556..comments2023-06-05T16:00:41.868+01:00Comments on WW1: Experiences of an English Soldier: Harry's letters about Battle of Messines RidgePte Harry Laminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04673086195442900581noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636059.post-50485294887690942742008-08-16T10:18:00.000+01:002008-08-16T10:18:00.000+01:00My Great Great Uncle (and namesake) Hemi HILL, was...My Great Great Uncle (and namesake) Hemi HILL, was killed in action (K.I.A) in Messines on 7th June 1917. He was a Kiwi soldier and his older brother Robert served in Ypres around a month later. <BR/><BR/>I am currently writing a book about my family's military history and these letters have helped immensely. Great site!<BR/><BR/>I will be going to visit Hemi at his place of rest in Wulvergehem just south-west of Messines in December of this year.<BR/><BR/>Brent James 'Hemi' KerehonaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636059.post-42019966949751520502008-04-26T10:06:00.000+01:002008-04-26T10:06:00.000+01:00My Great Great Grandfather Was in this battle and ...My Great Great Grandfather Was in this battle and I found Harry's letters very insiteful of what my Great Great Grandfather went through. He died on the 7th of june 1917. Thankyou.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636059.post-71215776641033810412007-07-25T05:02:00.000+01:002007-07-25T05:02:00.000+01:00I read "Birdsong" which I believe you mentioned th...I read "Birdsong" which I believe you mentioned the first time I saw your site. It was excellent and reveals the particular horrors experienced by the WWI soldiers. I suppose each war has its somewhat unique brand of horror. My mother (born 1906) lost her only brother on a bombing run over Germany on Easter Sunday 1944. But at least he was in comfortable lodgings when not flying. In fact, a couple of wealthy English spinsters entertained his crew on leave several times. My mother's parents passed away soon after WWII ended but Miss Violet Rhodes wrote to my mother for many years after the war was over. Neither my mother nor any of her 5 sisters ever got to visit Uncle Ken's grave in England. But I've inherited her copy of his picture, which has an honored place on my bookshelf. I barely remember him home on leave holding me in his arms and "dancing" with me.<BR/>Beverly <BR/>Oregon, USAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636059.post-61122996673676676322007-07-14T11:25:00.000+01:002007-07-14T11:25:00.000+01:00Your grandfathers letters are wonderfull, such an ...Your grandfathers letters are wonderfull, such an important account of the terible conditions these brave men had to endure, you must be so proud of him. One can only be inspired by their selfless call to duty unlike some of their senior officers who hid behind their labels. Their actions could not of been seen at the time to be so instrumental in shapeing the democracy and freedom we take for granted to-day. And some might say was it really all worth it?russellrussellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15413462665238324015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636059.post-60313333430916324032007-06-28T17:24:00.000+01:002007-06-28T17:24:00.000+01:00I've been studying up on WWI in my spare time and ...I've been studying up on WWI in my spare time and have found that the things that cement the details -- horrible and otherwise -- are the stories of the individuals, like your grandfather. I've bookmarked your excellent site and look forward to continued reading. Thank you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636059.post-78859657999456100362007-06-12T19:32:00.000+01:002007-06-12T19:32:00.000+01:00It must have been good to have loved ones back hom...It must have been good to have loved ones back home so ready to please with little treats but above all comunications.99jonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03325206213982839758noreply@blogger.com