Expression of Allied French remembrance

SIR – Some years ago, we attended a remembrance parade in a small town in Normandy (Letters, November 6). The procession made its way round the town, stopping at key points for bugle-blowing, an address and prayers, before ending up at the cemetery, where we were touched to see that a prayer was said at the three graves of British soldiers killed in the area during the Second World War.

We have also visited, and will do so again shortly, Croisilles Railway Cemetery near Arras, where my grandfather was buried in 1917.

We were impressed to learn that local village schools take the youngest pupils to visit every year so that those who lie there should not be forgotten.

Also very touching are the many messages of thanks from local French people “to our gallant Allies” in the book of remembrance kept there.

Barbara Jefford

Wendover, Buckinghamshire

SIR – The enduring appreciation of the French for the lives lost in liberating their country, as highlighted by your letter-writer, Stephen Reichwald, was underlined for me last year.

My cousin and his bomber crew lie together in the only war grave of the cemetery of Serazereux, a small village of 500 or so near Chartres. With other relatives, I was able to attend a day-long commemoration inspired by a local man.

Those who died were remembered in a dedicated service at the village church before a march – involving local dignitaries, gendarmes in dress uniform, the fire brigade and many others – to the cemetery.

There, national anthems were played at the graveside, followed by a vin d’honneur and lunch hosted by the mayor.

The village was joined by L’association Forced Landing, which provided a permanent marble plaque with the crew’s names for relatives to unveil formally. The occasion was moving and humbling to experience.

Paul Douglas

Edenbridge, Kent