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  #16  
Old 20-03-21, 09:50 PM
Hoot Hoot is offline
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Originally Posted by gurkharifles View Post
Hoot, I've had a response from the CWGC which is "potentially yes". They have a similar issue in Jersey which they are currently investigating - but if there are no plans to re-instate the Private memorial then the CWGC could raise a new headstone. If you can send me the details of the individual and the cemetery I'll pass them onto the CWGC. Tim
Thank you Tim. The grave is that of 3916 Lance Corporal Gilbert Horsler, 5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, died 3rd of May, 1916, aged 21. It is in the Old Baptist Chapelyard, Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire. There won't be any plans to re-instate the private headstone as the cemetery, with the exception of a few graves, including two CWGC ones, was cleared and grassed over about 30 years ago. Most of the headstones were removed and placed against the cemetery walls. It would be great if young Gilbert could be recognised again. Any help would be most appreciated. Hoot.
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Old 21-03-21, 09:49 AM
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gurkharifles gurkharifles is offline
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Hi Hoot, many thanks for this. I've passed the details onto the local co-ordinator of the CWGC - but from the sounds of it there seems to be a very strong case for a headstone to be erected. If the CWGC agree then the first thing they will do is to start a search for surviving relatives, although they can, and do erect headstones without any family involvement. There is a "100 year rule" which applies to most churchyards when the grave "reverts" to the care of the Church rather than the family. ( I assume it's the same for Baptists? ) . But its always better if the family can be "reconnected" to their ancestor. Anyway I'll keep you informed if I can. Cheers Tim
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  #18  
Old 21-03-21, 11:47 AM
Hoot Hoot is offline
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Originally Posted by gurkharifles View Post
Hi Hoot, many thanks for this. I've passed the details onto the local co-ordinator of the CWGC - but from the sounds of it there seems to be a very strong case for a headstone to be erected. If the CWGC agree then the first thing they will do is to start a search for surviving relatives, although they can, and do erect headstones without any family involvement. There is a "100 year rule" which applies to most churchyards when the grave "reverts" to the care of the Church rather than the family. ( I assume it's the same for Baptists? ) . But its always better if the family can be "reconnected" to their ancestor. Anyway I'll keep you informed if I can. Cheers Tim
Thanks again Tim. Sadly the Old Baptist Chapel was demolished back in the 1970s and the Baptists relocated elsewhere in Houghton Regis and totally abandoned the cemetery. It became overgrown very quickly and was a complete eyesore until the local council stepped in and restored it, it's a pity they removed most of the headstones but many were damaged and broken anyway. I went there recently to try and locate the grave of a young Houghton Regis girl who died from injuries received in an explosion at the Chaul End munitions factory near Luton but there was no sign of her grave or a gravestone anywhere, another Great War casualty seemingly gone and forgotten, very sad indeed. Cheers Tim. Hoot.
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