Why "Keep Green The Memory"

With the passing of each year the events of 1914-1918 fade from living memory; our aim is to perpetuate the memory. The Great War abounds with myths and legends, most so deep-seated that they have become 'true'. Our studies of the battlefields attempt to put the war into the perspective of its time and to present the facts as an act of Remembrance to those who fought and endured. We remember the resilience of the troops, their determination, their bravery and, above all, their astonishing achievements.

On the 1st September 1916 2nd Lt William Alexander Stanhope Forbes joined the 1st battalion of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry.  Three days later in the successful assault on Guillemont, he was killed in action.  Forbes was the son of the famous founder of the Newlyn school of artists - his father painted his portrait during August of 1916.  This portrait now hangs in the Regimental museum of the D.C.L.I. as a memorial to the officers of the regiment who lost there lives in the Great .

Forbes is buried in Guillemont Road Cemetery.  The photos were taken during a visit to the cemetery as a part of a Somme Tour.  The action in which Forbes lost his life was presented as a part of the tour.  Prior to leaving the battlefield a brief remembrance service was held.

Pictured above is Major General David Tyacke who in 1959 was the very last commanding officer of the 1st D.C.L.I, Forbes battalion - a fitting tribute for the young men of the battalion that the memorial wreath should be laid by the last C.O ........

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