CWGC Headstone/Memorial Error Reports and results.

Discussion in 'War Cemeteries & War Memorial Research' started by spidge, Nov 11, 2010.

  1. Richelieu

    Richelieu Well-Known Member

    I came across a casualty report for Private William James Mackie and, noticing that only his initials were recorded, brought this to CWGC’s attention. This is their response:

    Before addressing your comments regarding the forenames, age and next of kin details, please allow me to explain how our records originated. After the World Wars had ended, the relevant ministries and service authorities supplied us with all their casualty information. We subsequently sent 'Final Verification Forms' to the next of kin of each casualty to ask them to confirm the casualty's details, fill in any 'blanks' such as age and full forenames and where applicable, to provide personal inscriptions for headstones.

    When these forms were returned, the names and addresses of the next of kin together with any additional information they supplied regarding the casualty's age, birthplace, honours or awards etc. were transcribed to the appropriate casualty record.

    As you will probably already seen, no contact was made with the recorded next of kin of W J Mackie in his record of commemoration, indicating that they did not complete and return the 'Final Verification Form'. This may be for a number of reasons either the address was out of date or the family were too distressed to reply.

    In the course of our work, we come across many cases whereby present day descendants, researchers and interested parties come across anomalies within the war casualties. Only relatives of war casualties can request additions and amendments to our non-core data for example forenames, age, and additional information and linking brothers.

    Thank you once again for bringing this gentleman to our attention and I hope I have explained our position.

    I appreciate the sensitivities and care CWGC must observe but still find this strange. How does this policy relate to the work that Mark has been reporting CWGC - Additional Awards and Decoration?
     
  2. Marks

    Marks Senior Member

    Hi,

    Regarding the CWGC and awards, they generally need the details from the London Gazette, which is mostly pretty accurate. The CWGC likes the awards they list to be accurate and factional

    I choose to think of this along the lines of these being official awards made by the King, and members of forces cannot refuse an award.

    Awards not listed in the London Gazette, it gets more difficult especially non-commonwealth forces. I am current trying to obtain more evidence for Polish and Belgian flyers awards.

    Also this keenness to make these ammendments has only come about a few years ago.

    Mark
     
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  3. milliepop

    milliepop New Member


    Hi, I visited the cemetery yesterday to see my Nan’s grave and whilst there I was drawn to this grave as the head stone was so smart and looked lovely in the sunlight. I felt compelled to leave some roses on the grave. It was a lovely day and the cemetery was so peaceful. Just thought I would share.
     

    Attached Files:

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  4. Buteman

    Buteman 336/102 LAA Regiment (7 Lincolns), RA

    The headstone you saw, was replaced by sterling work done by CL1. I've missed seeing his posts of late. I wonder if he is ok, during these difficult times?
     
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  5. Wobbler

    Wobbler Well-Known Member

    6099827 Lance Corporal George James Gatty

    I am about to send a report of what I believe to be an error on the headstone of my cousin, 6099827 L/Cpl George James Gatty. I have just received a copy of his birth certificate which shows he was born on 2 December 1913. Previously I had a copy of his baptism record from Ancestry but as this states “alleged” date of birth, I needed official confirmation.

    He was killed in action on 13 April 1945, which must surely make him 31, not 32 as engraved on his headstone.

    The one other most convincing document I have for him, in terms of it being the same man, is his Will, Army Form W3601, which shows the same address for his sister as that on his birth certificate. The copies of his baptism record and the 1939 Census also show George at this address but the Will, it bearing his service number, is the only document I have right now that shows this must be the same person.

    Hopefully the CWGC will accept my evidence and also allow me to make the request as I am only his cousin, of course.

    F841DE3E-AE3A-418F-8B3B-C93E0FA44005.jpeg
     
  6. Wobbler

    Wobbler Well-Known Member

    I received a reply from the CWGC yesterday confirming that they will amend their records to show his age as 31, not 32. This has already been done online.

    They are also going to amend his headstone but cannot be sure when this will be done owing, of course, to the current Covid-19 restrictions.
     
    CL1 likes this.
  7. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Best intention by the local authority but I have reported to CWGC

    upload_2021-1-18_17-48-16.png upload_2021-1-18_17-48-26.png upload_2021-1-18_17-48-38.png

    GUARDSMAN JOSEPH WILLIAM DOWLING
    Service Number: 2737285
    Regiment & Unit/Ship
    Welsh Guards

    Date of Death
    Died 11 September 1940

    Age 25 years old

    Buried or commemorated at
    HARROW CEMETERY

    Sec. 37. Grave 5840.

    United Kingdom


    • Country of Service United Kingdom
    • Additional Info Son of George Edward and Lily Ann Dowling of Harrow.
    • Personal Inscription LOVED ONES SHALL MEET IN A JOYFUL SURPRISE CAUGHT UP TOGETHER IN THE SKIES
     
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  8. jonheyworth

    jonheyworth Senior Member

    A82E586F-5F7C-4CB7-B4B7-B5F813F9E18F.jpeg Found this one yesterday in Abercarn . No number
     
  9. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    due to PO or FO examples from my collection below

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  10. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Thank you for your recent e mail and photograph of the Commission headstone to Guardsman J W Dowling.

    I will pass this on to our Regional Manager, Mr Les Kibble for his information and input.

    Kind Regards
     
    Wobbler likes this.
  11. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    New Headstone ordered

    Just a brief update on this case. Our Regional Manager thanks you very much for bringing this to our attention, and he has ordered a new headstone as a result.

    Thank you as always for your diligence.
     
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  12. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    CWGC update

    "Just a brief update to my earlier e mail. Our Regional Manager has advised me that one of his Regional Mobile teams were able to inspect and clean this particular private memorial last week. He confirms that it presently provides adequate commemoration for the casualty, and attaches a photograph for your information.

    Best Wishes"

    For info it does show how many headstones deteriorate over time.


    Photo 2011
    upload_2021-1-26_13-1-22.png

    Photo 2019
    upload_2021-1-26_13-0-47.png



    CWGC cleaned January 2021

    upload_2021-1-26_12-58-38.png
     
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  13. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    The overgrown churchyard has now had a haircut


    upload_2021-4-20_7-54-33.png
    upload_2021-4-20_7-54-58.png
     
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  14. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Reported to CWGC
    upload_2021-7-5_19-49-48.png upload_2021-7-5_19-49-48.jpeg
     
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  15. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Deacs likes this.
  16. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    This is Eastcote Cemetery nw London which has not had a haircut

    upload_2021-7-10_19-21-26.png
     

    Attached Files:

  17. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Headstone replaced

    W.N.Turnbull. RAF
    Ruislip St Martins Churchyard Hillingdon

    upload_2021-10-22_12-1-32.jpeg
     
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  18. Dear Sirs, it has recently come to my attention that Tpr. Joseph Henry Blake (401702) who died in Asse (Belgium) on 18 May 1940 and is buried at the local cemetry (Asse (Mollemsebaan) Communal Cemetery) used an alias. The headstone mentions J.H. Blake but this was an alias. His real name was: Joseph Harold CARLTON. Attached a picture of the headstone taken on 1 Nov 21 at the annual ceremony we organise and an extract received from army book 358. Will the headstone in a case like this be updated/corrected?
     

    Attached Files:

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