Roll of Honour during the poppy display

When the poppy installation was on at the Tower of London in 2014, they read out a Roll of Honour of soldiers who died during WW1. The public were able to submit names for the list, and two of us submitted all the Gottses that died. The first video shows these, with the opening of 26 August, when many of them were read out. They are in alphabetical order, though they were read on various days.

At the end of each ceremony they played the Last Post. Despite the wind, I think this is the best one. The roll for that day was read by Michael Morpurgo, author of “Warhorse”.

Inscriptions on WW1 headstones

The inscription found on the headstones of known soldiers could be chosen by the family. Up to 66 characters were allowed, which could take up to three lines at the bottom. When visiting it is important to see the inscription.

Many nations agreed to pay the cost themselves, but the British government decided to charge 3.5d per letter,  ie 3.5 old pennies,  including spaces. This could cost one pound maximum, roughly a week’s take-home pay for many people.

The headstone was completed before the invoice went to the family, and they did not try to chase for payment. Apparently around 1920 they withdrew the charge.

Roll of Honour Tower of London 2014