Saw this last week. Needs renewing quickly. I've emailed the CWGC CWGC :: Casualty Details Name:EEDE, LIONEL GEORGE Initials:L G Nationality:United Kingdom Rank:Gunner Regiment/Service:Royal Artillery Unit Text:13 3 H.A.A. Regt. Age:40 Date of Death:24/09/1944 Service No:14292665 Additional information:Son of Charles and Alice Eede; husband of Grace Eleanor Eede, of Bournemouth, Hampshire. Casualty Type:Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference:Plot 19. Row A. Grave 10. Cemetery:TERLINCTHUN BRITISH CEMETERY, WIMILLE
Owen, It is strange to see one so badly eroded as the CWGC have a regular inspection and either recutting the script or replacing the headstone of the worn ones. It was explained to me that the WW2 and later stones do not waer as good as the WW1 type due to the later WW2 being dipped in silicone, which was thought to preserve them better. However the natural water trapped inside the stone by the silicone is not allowed to escape and ends up with flaking duwe to the water expanding when exposed to freezing weather. Expansion and contraction then play havoc with the surface. For the last few years the headstones have been left untreated to allow the stone to absorb moisture and let it evaporate naturally. Regards Tom
There were quite a few like that, this was the worst I saw there. It was a flying visit so wasn't able to see more.
Tom Thank you for that interesting set of facts, I thought that they were the same as other stones that just weathered and got effected by the elements and seasonal change e.g. frost and sun then the wind which acts at time as an abrasive.
Owen thanks for posting Tom thanks for the info I assume that the CWGC must be aware then. I have seen a few like that ,and was assured by the CWGC that they would get round to replacing
The Headstones are all manufactured in the UK from Portland stone and the CWGC use the latest technology by way of Numerically Controlled Machinery (NCM) to engrave the Headstones. Regards Tom
Tom strangely enough there was a BBC program on today and it showed the Portland quarry and stated that they manufacture 350 CWGC headstones a month.
Tom Strangely enough I saw a grave stone CWGC standard in a Dark Grey nearly black colour and have seen the same in the Lake District in local stone. It begs the question are these other coloured stones private Memorials in the same style as CWGC stones or official CWGC using a local stone?
Clive, There are over 935,000 commemorated on Headstones, not counting Memorials for the missing. It is a huge undertaking for the organisation and undertandably delays can occur. Here is a link from an earlier thread of mine showing some CWGC work being carried out. http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/ww2-museums-events-places-see/25667-cwgc-berlin-field-day.html Regards Tom
Tom Strangely enough I saw a grave stone CWGC standard in a Dark Grey nearly black colour and have seen the same in the Lake District in local stone. It begs the question are these other coloured stones private Memorials in the same style as CWGC stones or official CWGC using a local stone? If the grave was inside a normal church yard the family have chosen a private resting place and the colour of the stone would appear to mean that they requested that the CWGC not provide the Portland stone. A local stonemason more than probably produced the headstone. Regards Tom
It begs the question are these other coloured stones private Memorials in the same style as CWGC stones or official CWGC using a local stone? Fair few variations in stone/type on this thread: Different or Unusual Headstones/Memorials/Inscriptions
Thank you Cpt Peacock ( Van Poop) For pointing out the associated thread will review and learn more as with Tom's website.
If the grave was inside a normal church yard the family have chosen a private resting place and the colour of the stone would appear to mean that they requested that the CWGC not provide the Portland stone. A local stonemason more than probably produced the headstone. Regards Tom I am not sure that the family would have this option, it seems more to be an example of local stone or slate. I have seen quite a few in Wales (Welsh Slate) or Cumbria (Westmoreland Slate). Of the 15 war gaves in St Mary's Churchyard in Eastham, on the Wirral there are four different types of stone, including Welsh Slate
Owen I would like to I commend you for drawing the attention of the CWGC to the badly eroded headstone. Well done Sir ! Ron
I was surprised in May when visiting Knighstbridge Cemetery as there were many headstones barely readable and a few that couldn't be read at all. We were told that there was ann ongoing project to replace them with ones made from a different stone that would stand up to the climate. Some already had been replace with a light grey mottled stone that seemed to be the same as some South African Headstones seen elswhere in N/Africa. The question is Why had CWGC let them get so bad before replacing them.
I was surprised in May when visiting Knighstbridge Cemetery as there were many headstones barely readable and a few that couldn't be read at all. We were told that there was ann ongoing project to replace them with ones made from a different stone that would stand up to the climate. Some already had been replace with a light grey mottled stone that seemed to be the sames as soms South African Headstones seen elswhere in N/Africa. The question is Why had CWGC let them get so bad before replacing them. It is normally the staff employed by the CWGC that inspect the Headstones and from what you have stated, it has clearly not taken place. It is also up to us visitors that see eroded headstones to bring it to the attention of the CWGC, as Owen has rightly done. Regards Tom
just received this reply from CWGC a private grave but not only is the name no longer legible the grave is in a very poor state Coldstream Guards Sergeant C F Turner Thank you for the update on the condition of the grave to the above casualty in Harrow (Eastcote Lane) Cemetery. I recently visited the cemetery and you are correct in saying the name is no longer legible. To enable me to follow up the process of erecting a Commission Headstone, I will require permission from not only the cemetery authorities but also the agreement of relatives. I will be seeking the advice of my skilled maintenance craftsmen to ascertain if the inscription can be re-lead lettered, if this is not a practical solution I will submit proposals to adequately mark the grave with a CH. The process is easier if relatives request the erection of the Commission Headstone. Are you a family member of the casualty? Best wishes Jeff Cavell Regional Supervisor Greater London Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Jenton Road, Sydenham, Leamington Spa, CV31 1XS, :: CWGC ::
Tom, not a regularly visited Cemetery but someone will have complained in the past. Everything else in the Cemetery was in first class condition. We were told the Headstones are being replaced in batches, but the man who does the replacement is based in Tripoli.
Just a quick update , CWGC have been back in touch. They are now aware of it & have a photo of the headstone. Will keep you updated.
Will keep you updated. Cheers. They do have rather a lot of headstones to maintain. There are some photo's (in the annual report available on their website perhaps) of blokes re-engraving stones in situ. I think they said they have started a massive re-engraving program.
