Visiting the memorial

[Pauline Mcintyre]

my grandfather, Bertie Jordan, was killed in this battle. My husband and I visited the memorial for the first time in 1993 and are planning a second visit later this month. It was such a wonderful experience. Seeing his name on the wall and in the book - it made it real somehow. We also visited the trenches. Sadly, my mother and grandmother never got to visit. I don't know much about my grandfather, as my grandmother dealt with her grief by never ever talking about him. I would be interested in communicating with others that lost a loved one in this terrible batte.

[pauline williams]

I returned from Cambrai last night. It was the first time any of the family had visited and was for me a trip that had been intended since I was a child.
My Great-Uncle (beloved Nan's brother)Edwin John Williams died 25th Nov 1917 aged 26yrs. My Nan had a huge frame on the wall in her house which contained the army photo of her brother, alongside the notification of his death and the posthumous medals. We all grew up being aware of his contribution to the Great War and more poignantly the great sense of loss felt by his family.
Visiting Cambrai really brought 'home' the sheer enormity of the loss of life. My Great-uncle is commemorated on the Loverval memorial to the 'missing' - it was really sad to realise that over 7,000 men died in a 13 day period but were never found or laid to rest. However, the sense of unity of effort amongst the names commemorated on the memorial helped. It was really important to visit the cemeteries, memorials and battleplaces to gain a sense of perspective but more importantly to pay respect and homage to the individuals who never came home.