Whilst preparing for school trip to the battlefields of World War 1 a local family spurred into researching their family history discovered a personal link – meaningful and significant in many ways. 

Ditcham Park School pupil Charlie and his mum Georgie tell our roving reporter Jo Gray their story.

An old newspaper cutting of Charlie's Great Great Uncle at work sculpting the war memorial
The war memorial sculptor Henry Paulin at work

Jo Gray interviewing Charlie's mum Georgie about her family link to a war memorial in Beaumont-Hamel, France
Jo Gray interviewing Georgie about her family link to a war memorial in Beaumont-Hamel, France

Charlie with the statue of a Scots soldier - one of Henry Paulin's war memorials
Charlie with the statue of a Scots soldier from the 51st Division – one of Henry Paulin’s war memorials

Jo Gray with Ditcham Park pupil Charlie & his mum Georgie
Jo Gray with Ditcham Park pupil Charlie & his mum Georgie