Growing up, I always knew that my great grandad had died in the First World War as my mama always talked about her father. 

As I worked with the British Army in Germany during the 1980s, I felt that it was important to know more about my family and the past. As a child in the North East of Scotland, I knew about him as my great grandad's name is on the War Memorial in Stonehaven as well as in our local church, Dunnottar Church. I have visited his memorial in France and now have a special interest in him as I teach Infantry soldiers who follow in his footsteps. 

I am both proud and sad that he gave his life more than 100 years ago but I make sure that his memory is kept alive through my work and research about the Battle of Loos.

I 

France 

Anne Backhouse