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Post by Les on Jul 11, 2006 19:51:19 GMT
Just a quick posting to let you know (unless you've read the page on the main site) that I've been raising funds for a plaque to be made and installed at Arnos Vale Cemetery, here in Bristol. Dan Burges earned his VC in the Balkans during WW1 and went on to be Governor of the Tower of London for 10 years. He died in 1946 and since that date he has not had a plaque or marker!! (he was cremated - thus no marker). Armed with the begging bowl, I've raised the £600 needed and had the plaque made. Here's a link to the Dan Burges page....... www.eviltaxman.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/burges.htmAs time goes on, I'll try to add a bit more info to this thread letting everyone know what's going on. The plaque however, will be unveiled on 24 October this year - the 60th anniversary of his death. |
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Post by Les on Oct 2, 2006 20:12:56 GMT
***UPDATE*** I've had a article printed in the local paper giving everyone an update. Here's a pic of the article...........  |
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Post by Les on Oct 24, 2006 9:31:12 GMT
Well, today's the day!!
I've taken a 5 minute break from making sandwiches and alike for 40 people. This time last week it was only 20 people. Things have literally taken off and I haven't stopped finalising everyting since last Friday!
Hopefully photos and a review to follow later today/tomorrow.
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Post by Les on Oct 25, 2006 15:37:10 GMT
The day went exceedingly well. We started 20 minutes late - 'cause everyone just wanted to say thank you and shake my hand. When we did get underway, I got the first few words out...... "Ladies & gentlemen, thank you fo rcoming today to ............" then I choked!! I couldn't get a single word out for a good 60 seconds . Thankfully my missus decided she would step forward and grabbed my arm... that helped a bit. Once I got going again, we had the Regimental Chaplain of the RGBW say a few words, followed by the plaque being unveiled and presented to the cemetery for safe keeping until they've built the new wall where it'll live. The bugler did me proud - played the Last Post without a hitch (which is very rare these days), 2 minutes silence and then Revelle (sp). All closely co-ordinated with a Standard Bearer from the Glosters Ass'n here in Bristol. After I'd thanked everyone again and told 'em where the chow was, one member of the family (I think it was) stepped forward and publically thanked me on behalf of everyone there (time to choke again!!). This was closely followed by nearly a minute of clapping. By now I needed to get outside and have a ciggie (I needed one!!!) Anywho.... here are few photos from the day. They aren't my usual standard - I didn't take them - but they're all I've got except the memories. (a very chuffed & emotional) Les.  |
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Post by Les on Oct 25, 2006 15:37:39 GMT
 that's me on the right |
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Post by Les on Oct 25, 2006 15:38:11 GMT
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Post by Les on Oct 25, 2006 15:38:31 GMT
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Post by hans on Oct 28, 2006 12:04:35 GMT
Great Les, and if you have more photos please share them with us.
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Post by roberthenry on Oct 29, 2006 15:42:49 GMT
Congratulations Les on your quest to have a memorial to Lt Col Daniel Burgess finally realised.
I am sure you must feel very proud, and rightly so. Allow me to thank you for keeping alive the memory of a hero who may otherwise be forgotten in the mists of time.
Good Luck
Robert Henry
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Post by Les on Oct 29, 2006 15:47:33 GMT
Thank you to both of you. I was some what emotional on the day, but all in all, in turned out great. Unfortunately most of the other pics that were taken for me, came out blurred or fuzzy, so posting them would just give you headaches.
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