Funeral of an Unknown Warrior.

As well as enjoying taking my own photographs, I also enjoy collecting old postcards, pictures, negatives and slides. I thought it might be of interest to start showing them on here alongside my own.

I thought I would start with these 2 postcards which were taken on the 11th November 1920 during the funeral of the unknown warrior.

The unknown warrior was selected by Brigadier L.J. Wyatt who was given a choice of soldiers whose remains had been exhumed from various battlefields and brought to a chapel at Saint Pol sur Ternoise, France on the night of November 7th 1920. Brigadier Wyatt was accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel E.A.S. Gell and neither man knew which battlefield each soldiers remains had been exhumed from. The remains had been placed in individual coffins covered by Union Flags, Brigadier Wyatt closed his eyes and rested his hand on one of the coffins which was then selected. The other soldiers remains were then taken away for reburial overseen by the Reverend George Kendall OBE.

The coffin of the unknown warrior then remained in the chapel overnight, and was transferred the following day with a guard and escort, as well as troops lining the route to the castle library, within the ancient citadel at Boulogne where it was guarded overnight by a company of soldiers from the French 8th Infantry Regiment.

On the 9th November 1920 the coffin was places within a casket made from oak timbers of trees within the grounds of Hampton Court Place. The casket was then affixed with a sword chosen personally by King George V from the Royal Collection and banded with iron. The shield that was fixed upon the top of the sword and casket bared the inscription "A British Warrior who fell in the Great War 1914-1918 for King and Country". The coffin was then drawn by six black horses on a French military wagon for the mile long journey to the harbour, The wagon being escorted by local schoolchildren and a division of French troops. The French infantry playing Aux Champs as the coffin left Boulogne.

The casket was met at the harbour by the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Verdun, and was piped aboard with the admirals call, whilst Marshal Foch the commander of the French Armies during the Great War saluted the casket before it was carried up the gangway. The ship left around noon and was joined by an escort of 6 battleships for it's journey across the channel. As the flotilla approached Dover it was greeted by a 19 gun Field Marshals salute.

The casket was landed on the 10th November and travelled from Dover Marine Railway Station to Victoria Station, London where it was to arrive at Platform 8 at 8.32 pm and remain overnight.

Placed on a gun carriage and drawn by 6 horses the casket began it's final journey on the morning of 11 November 1920 passing through large, silent and respectful crowds. Upon departure from Victoria, there was another Field Marshals salute fired in Hype Park. The cortege route passed Hyde Park Corner, The Mall and Whitehall where King George V unveiled the Cenotaph. It was then followed by the King, the Royal Family and ministers of state to Westminster Abbey where it was interred in the far western end of the nave, in soil brought from each of the main Great War battlefields. The grave is capped with a black Belgian marble stone and is the only tomb within Westminster Abbey that people are forbidden to walk. The ceremony included a guard of honour by 100 recipients of the Victoria Cross. The guest of honour at the service were a group of about 100 women who had lost their husbands and all their sons in the war. After internment the armed forces stood guard as tens of thousands of mourners filed past to pay their respects.

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Old Pictures of Halifax.

Old pictures of Halifax is a YouTube video I have put together featuring vintage images of the area. They are either copies of postcards I own or digital copies of images I have collected put into a slideshows. All the pictures are public domain, copyright free or creative commons commercially licenced to the best of my knowledge. I just thought it would be good to do something with them as they were stored doing nothing.

The video features approx. 20 pictures taken around the immediate Halifax area at the end of the 19th century, start of the 20th. It includes pictures of people going about there every day life, sports teams, local building of interest including the Piece Hall, Town Hall, Train Station and even includes a pictures of an elephant that was an exhibit at the short lived Halifax Zoo which ran from 1909 until 1916. The site of the zoo is now the home ground of Siddal ARLFC.

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There has been no intention to infringe any copyrights with his video, all the pictures and the music are either public domain, copyright expired or were obtained under a creative commons commercial licence.

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Postcard's fom the Past. Fir Tree Pond, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

Our final glimpse into the past today takes us to the serene waters of Fir Tree Pond, nestled on the common in the elegant Royal Tunbridge Wells. This isn't just any picture postcard; it's a tangible link to a summer day over a century ago, a fleeting moment captured in ink and paper.

Imagine holding this very card, its edges softened by time and handling. It bears the indelible mark of its journey through the postal system: a clear postmark dated 3rd July 1913. Think of the world as it was then, just a year before the outbreak of the Great War, a world powered by horses and early automobiles, where communication relied on the steady rhythm of the postal service.

Affixed to the back is a humble yet significant detail: a King George V half penny green stamp. This small piece of adhesive paper, bearing the profile of the reigning monarch, speaks volumes about the era. It's a tiny window into the visual language and currency of the time.

This particular postcard wasn't merely a scenic view; it served its intended purpose. It was posted, embarking on a journey from the genteel surroundings of Royal Tunbridge Wells to a Miss Ratcliffe residing at 4 Market Street, Nottingham. One can almost picture the postman, perhaps on a bicycle, delivering this small piece of news.

And what news did it carry? Here, the story becomes a little more enigmatic. The handwritten message, faded and perhaps smudged over the years, proved a challenge to decipher. Yet, through the veil of time, fragments emerge. A polite acknowledgment: "thanks for a previous letter". This simple phrase hints at an ongoing correspondence, a connection between two individuals separated by distance.

Then, a universal observation, one that transcends time and place: "the weather was raining". A quintessential British summer's day, it seems, even in 1913! This small detail grounds the image, making the scene feel more real, more relatable. We can almost feel the dampness in the air, see the raindrops dimpling the surface of Fir Tree Pond.

Who was the sender? What were the contents of that "previous letter"? What were Miss Ratcliffe's thoughts upon receiving this damp missive? These are the silent questions that echo from this small piece of ephemera.

This postcard of Fir Tree Pond is more than just a pretty picture. It's a snapshot of a specific moment in time, carrying echoes of human connection and the everyday realities of life over a hundred years ago. It reminds us that even the simplest of objects can hold fascinating stories, waiting to be pieced together from the faint whispers of the past.

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A Glimpse Through Time: Leicester's Hospital, Warwick.

Holding this postcard, the familiar weight of aged cardstock in my hand, I'm transported not just to the charming medieval town of Warwick, but to a place steeped in history and quiet dedication: the Lord Leycester Hospital. It's more than just a picturesque building captured in sepia tones (or perhaps vibrant hues, depending on its vintage); it's a tangible link to centuries of care and service.

The subject of this particular piece of my ever-growing postcard collection is, as the name suggests, the Lord Leycester Hospital. But "hospital" in this context isn't the bustling medical facility we might imagine today. Instead, this remarkable institution stands as a beacon of enduring charity, a haven established in the late 16th century by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Its purpose then, as it remains today, is to provide support and accommodation for ex-servicemen and their wives or widows.

Think about that for a moment. While grand castles and bustling market squares often dominate historical narratives, here we have a place specifically designed to care for those who have served their country. Each stone of the Lord Leycester Hospital whispers tales of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring need to support those who have borne the burdens of conflict.

Looking closely at the image on the postcard – perhaps it captures the iconic timber-framed architecture, the serene Master's Garden, or the imposing gateway – I can almost feel the echoes of past residents. Imagine the conversations held within those ancient walls, the camaraderie forged through shared experiences, the quiet dignity of lives dedicated to service.

This postcard, therefore, transcends its simple function as a piece of correspondence. It's a miniature window into a world where compassion and community have stood the test of time. It's a reminder that history isn't just about battles and monarchs; it's also about the enduring efforts to care for one another.

As a small part of my larger collection, this postcard of the Lord Leycester Hospital holds a special significance. It represents not just a beautiful building, but a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of human kindness and the importance of remembering and supporting those who have served. It's a story etched in ink and paper, a story I'm proud to hold within my hands.

What stories do your own collections hold? Have you ever encountered a seemingly simple object that unlocked a deeper understanding of history or human connection?

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A Century-Old Glimpse of Dartmeet, Devon

Holding this postcard, the smooth, slightly yellowed surface a testament to time, feels like cradling a tiny window into the past. It's more than just a piece of cardstock; it's a silent witness, a tangible link to a Devon landscape a century removed from our own.

The image itself captures the iconic meeting of the East and West Dart rivers at Dartmeet. Even in this static, sepia-toned moment, you can almost hear the gentle rush of water as the two streams embrace, their individual journeys merging into a single, stronger flow. The ancient clapper bridge, a rugged spine of granite, stands sentinel over the confluence, its weathered stones bearing the footsteps of generations.

Imagine the scene a hundred years ago. Perhaps a horse-drawn cart trundles across the bridge, its wheels echoing on the stone. Maybe picnickers, dressed in the fashions of the era, spread blankets on the riverbank, their laughter carried on the breeze. Were there anglers casting lines into the clear waters, hoping for a catch? The postcard doesn't tell us these stories directly, but it ignites the imagination, prompting us to fill in the details of a bygone era.

This isn't just a pretty picture; it's a historical artifact. Think about the journey this small piece of paper has taken. It was likely purchased as a memento, a tangible reminder of a visit to this beautiful spot. Perhaps it was sent to a loved one, carrying a brief message of "wish you were here" or a simple update on travels. Who held it? What were their lives like? Did they ever return to Dartmeet?

Holding this approximately century-old postcard connects me to those unknown individuals and to a version of Dartmeet that has undoubtedly changed, yet likely retains its timeless charm. The rivers still meet, the bridge still stands, and the beauty of the Devon landscape endures. This little piece of my collection isn't just a picture; it's a whisper from the past, a reminder of the enduring power of place and the stories held within the simplest of objects.

It makes you wonder, what stories will our postcards tell a hundred years from now?

Clicking either of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media, and check out my portfolios on Photo4Me and Clickasnap via the links below.