Growing up, I was always fascinated by my Grandma's family tree stories and as I got older I began to make a few notes - to help me remember. 

Grandma told me about Thomas Noble Watson, who had married her Mum's sister, Polly (Mary Lennon) before leaving Birtley, Co Durham, to fight in the Great War.

Thomas died in the war - and I now know that he died on 13th November 1916 and that his grave is at Bois Guilliame cemetery, in France.

Grandma's Mum, Sally (Sarah Lennon - married name Keogan), named one of her sons after her Thomas Noble Watson - his name was Thomas Noble Watson Keogan.  This Thomas (who was Grandma's brother) died in his mid 20's.  According to Grandma, he wasn't too keen on his name. 

It is only because of Grandma's stories that I have been able to trace Thomas Noble Watson and commemorate his life.  Although he died generations before I was born, I am proud and humbled to know we are connected.

My daughter will be visiting some of the War Graves in France and Belgium as part of her A Level studies - and, although she won't be able to visit his grave on this occasion, I have shared the story of Thomas Noble Watson with her.

So, it is a pleasure to say that although we don't know much more about him, his memory lives on... he will not be forgotten.

Fiona MacMillan