Thread: German WWII graves

Finally had a chance to look at these today. I agree that in death they should be accorded the same respect and dignity as "our" boys.

This will sound like so much pull up a sandbag time....sorry I know I'm new here, but thought it might be of interest to some..

1976, As a trainee in RAF Cosford, I suddenly found myself at midnight on August bank holiday, with the preverbial broom one, fire fighting for the use of, at the German war cemetary in Cannock Chase. Day spent fighting grass fires...ever seen a whole hill of RAF blue suddenly run down in mass panic before firemen realise we were going the wrong way...

But anyway, after a heroic day of fighting grass fires, done my bit...back to camp, beans on toast and bed....Dont be daft...here you go...one broom, landrover stops in eerie roadway...be back in the morning have fun....It was dark...I was in a graveyard...I was only 17...I couldnt whistle...

The irony didnt escape me that I had joined up with rhe Battle of Britain theme tune in my head...and first bit of aderenalin I have finds me guarding Luftwafe and other German graves in a midlands forest....End of sandbag time.

Urgh

you ever seen the tapestry commemorating the '76 fires?

Embroidery depicts Cannock Chase fire

A HISTORICAL embroidery depicting fierce fires which devastated Cannock Chase more than three decades ago has been unveiled.

The artwork – which shows a scene from the fires during the heat wave of 1976 – is now on display at the Marquis Drive visitors centre.

It was created by artist Margeth Lingwood, who died in 2006, and was presented to the centre by her family and friends.

"Margeth Lingwood created the piece which was inspired by the terrible blaze that destroyed the beauty spot in the heat wave of 1976," a spokesman said.

"She also drew upon her memories of the spectacular sunsets that she viewed during her many walks on the Chase."
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Margeth, a founder member of the Staffordshire branch of the Embroiderer's Guild, died in 2006 but her friends and family said they were keen to find the right home for her 'incredible collection' of embroidery.

The Cannock Chase embroidery is a mixture of traditional embroidery stitches and techniques including quilting and padding.

It combines dark, rich velvet and suede with sheer brightly coloured chiffon and organza with heavy stitching and chunky beads.

It was presented to staff at Marquis Drive on what would have been Margeth's 93rd birthday.

Close friend Jane Dew said: "Margeth was a wonderful person who has created some outstanding pieces of work.

"We would often enjoy walks on Cannock Chase and I have some lovely memories of our time together there."

She added: "I am sure Margeth would be giggling with joy to know that her work is going to be on display at the Chase.

"She was a very passionate person and it's wonderful to know that the work that she dedicated so much time to will be on show for others to enjoy."

Local County Councillor John O'Leary added that the work offered a valuable insight into how the forest fire affected people at the time.

"This embroidery is extremely powerful, both in the way it looks as well as by demonstrating the affect that this terrible fire had on people.

"It is a very touching picture and one that has a huge historic value."

Thanks for that, I never knew that exsisted...Then again, I searched a while back fo news stories relating to the fire, and hardly came up with a mention. Good to see someone remembered it. By the time it had finished and we tread along the woodland routes it looked like a different planet.

Thats great, glad I came here now ta.