I was told about my great-grandfather by my grandfather who also fought in WW1. My mother was born 10 years to the day that John Ewins was killed in action. He was 49 when he died in action and as his body was never found, there was no grave, as was the case for so many. My mom wanted to find his name, but sadly by the time I was aware of this she was too old to make the journey. He received two medals 1914/15 Star Victory Medal and the British War Medal. I did my research and a few years ago we went and found him. My mom was so pleased and said Grandie would have been delighted that we had taken the trouble to find him. He name is engraved at Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing. It was a very moving occasion, made more so by the fact that there was a coach load of young army recruits there who were paying tribute to the men fallen in their own regiment. I got into conversation with them and one kind lad gave me his wooden cross so that I could leave a tribute to my great-grandfather. The young man was almost at the end of his training and I asked whether seeing all these names didn't make him want to reconsider. His immediate response has stayed with me, "It is my duty to protect my country". That was what my great-grandfather was doing. I hope that the young man and his friends will be luckier than my great-grandfather was. The debt we owe these people that we never knew is immeasurable. My own children know the story and when my grandchildren are of an appropriate age I will tell them as well. My great-grandfather and all the others are never forgotten.

Sue Cotton