I found out about Great Uncle Sydney whilst researching our family tree. Sydney served for the King's Own Yorkshire Light Regiment and was killed on the first day of the Somme. I believe he was 18 at the time. We did not know about Uncle Sydney as Grandpop (George Evison) did not talk about the War really. Sydney was his younger brother. All I knew was that Grandpop lost his leg during the War and had a false one. We believe an older brother, Albert, also went to War but I have not managed to find anything out about him. Sydney died on the first day of the Somme. I plan to research where his regiment would have been at the time and hope to visit the site and or the memorial at Thriepval one day. Thousands of men like Sydney gave their lives so that we have the freedoms we have today. I will always be grateful and forever in their debt. Life is too short, but for these men it was brief and bloody. Live life and enjoy the freedoms they 'brought' for us. Even though I never met you Uncle Sydney, I have an overwhelming respect and emotion for you. I love you and will always think of you. I am in your debt and hope to do your memory proud. X

Victoria Roads