Your views on this headstone!

I had not noticed this previously - Do you think this headstone is incorrect and should be changed?

 

Not if the family wanted it that way.

 

They are different names! So I should think some clarification is needed.

And we have had this discussion before, as it is a CWGC grave it should comply with their regs.

 

Not if the family wanted it that way.

Hi Canuck,

I did not name my query however it is in reference to the "of Tasmania" on the headstone. I have only ever seen "of Australia".

All CWGC instances (as I am aware) of this state "of Australia", "of Canada" "of New Zealand" etc.

Tasmania is not a country of the Commonwealth but a state (you say province) of Australia.

In this context, is it correct?

 

They are different names! So I should think some clarification is needed.

And we have had this discussion before, as it is a CWGC grave it should comply with their regs.

I am not sure who this other Airman is who is honoured here. I have checked the CWGC website and only came up with this (below) for that name.

Somebody may be able to enlighten me to this association if he is in fact one and the same person. There is other wording on the urn however it is indecipherable.


In Memory of
Pilot Officer JAMES DOAN CODY

40366, 108 Sqdn., Royal Air Force
who died age 23
on 31 October 1939
Son of Capt. Fabian B. Cody and Gertrude L. Cody, of Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Remembered with honour
CAVERSFIELD (ST. LAURENCE) CHURCHYARD.

Personally, I do not have a problem with the two names other than being curious of the association (from a research respective) and whether this is a post war J.D. Cody or the one buried at Caversfield (St. Laurence) Churchyard being duplicated by the family/friends etc.

 

Geoff

As you say, a bit of a mystery there.

Have you ever written to the CWGC and if so what sort of helpful response do you get from them when one raises a matter like this ?

Ron

 

I believe the relatives of the deceased could ask what they wanted on the headstone outside the normal CWGC criteria.

 

Graves
Individual graves are marked by uniform headstones, differentiated only by their inscriptions: the national emblem or regimental badge, rank, name, unit, date of death and age of each casualty is inscribed above an appropriate religious symbol and a more personal dedication chosen by relatives. Where there is risk of earth movement, graves are marked instead by bronze plaques on low pedestals.

:: CWGC ::

 

Hi all

they died on the same day-
CWGC :: Casualty Details
and are with the same squadron
CWGC :: Casualty Details

maybe in same plane?

regards

Robert

 

Forgot to add, only J D COdy is on TWGPP also-
The War Graves Photographic Project
??

regards

Robert

 

I visited this churchyard in 2005 and I have just been looking through my photo archive.

It is clear that somehow the private memorial urn to Cody has been misplaced on the grave of Cox.

 

Hello Geoff

I took the photo.

I would assume it has just been placed on the wrong grave whilst they have been grass cutting.
I can pop in there an place it on the correct grave.


regards
Clive

apologies see that it is re Tasmania on headstone

 

Graves
Individual graves are marked by uniform headstones, differentiated only by their inscriptions: the national emblem or regimental badge, rank, name, unit, date of death and age of each casualty is inscribed above an appropriate religious symbol and a more personal dedication chosen by relatives. Where there is risk of earth movement, graves are marked instead by bronze plaques on low pedestals.

:: CWGC ::

From this would I be right in thinking that '(Of Tasmania)' is the personal dedication from his Parents? If so, then in my opinion someone at the CWGC used his initiative and moved it from the base of the headstone to a more prominent position.

Change it? I'm sure if his Parents ever saw it they would have been delighted that their boy, so far from home, was commemorated in this way. If it was good enough for them and the CWGC then it's good enough for me.

 

Hello Geoff

I took the photo.

I would assume it has just been placed on the wrong grave whilst they have been grass cutting.
I can pop in there an place it on the correct grave.


regards
Clive

Clive

When did you take the photo? The Urn appears to be from a family plot. Could the original stone have been damaged in some way or toppled over?

 

hello Jonathan
last year
the plot is on a private estate
and well looked after

 

Thanks Clive

As you say, looks like someone forgot to put it back after cutting the grass.

 

Having read all of that, IMHO, I dont think anything is necessary apart from moving the urn back to James Cody's grave.

Mark

 

Hello Geoff

I took the photo.

I would assume it has just been placed on the wrong grave whilst they have been grass cutting.
I can pop in there an place it on the correct grave.


regards
Clive

apologies see that it is re Tasmania on headstone

Clive,

You do lots of photos, have you seen of anything but "of" the country?

I was looking at the wrong line and didn't notice it was the same cemetery although I included the right one. Cody is in Plot 1 so I think you would e right. I would say it has been returned to its rightful place by now.

Cheers

Geoff

 

Geoff

As you say, a bit of a mystery there.

Have you ever written to the CWGC and if so what sort of helpful response do you get from them when one raises a matter like this ?

Ron

Hi Ron,

The response is always cordial and the error (s) corrected either on the file or the headstone replaced.


Cheers

Geoff

 

I have seen this on a grave of a US citizen where it mentions his State. If I find the picture I will post it.

This was obviously the wishes of the family, and as such should be respected.