Anzac Day in New Zealand

It is almost Anzac Day again,  April 25 when we remember family who we have lost in wars.  I always think of my two great uncles Felix and Archie who both lost their lives in France during the first World War.

Here is a photo of them during happier times before the war when they have been helping on great grandfather's farm in Norfolk England

These two were brothers in law, and met through my grandparents, Felix on the left was the brother of my grandmother and Archie of my grandfather.  Both were greatly loved by them and they talked of them fondly.  There is a story that on the day Felix died in September 1916 in France the family dog went to sit by his motorbike at home in the barn in Norfolk and would not leave it.

Here is a photo of Felix on his motorbike taken in Norfolk in June 1916, he is wearing the uniform of the Royal Norfolks.  Archie died in July at the battle of Gommencourt in July the same year.

 

In memory of those who died to preserve our democracy it is important to remember how precious it is and how it is constantly under threat even today.  

Many of my family fought in both WWI and WWII and in memory of their bravery and suffering I have made a cutout paper work in Autumn colours.  It is called 

Orchids and Chrysanthemums.

All images copyright Frances Jill Studd 2026