Kentish Express Ashford & District
Poignant end to great nephew’s war discovery
An Ashford man will help dismantle a giant installation representing the 888,246 British victims of the First World War.
Nigel Adams, of Tritton Fields, Kennington has been selected as a volunteer to deconstruct the ceramic poppies planted at the Tower of London.
The task is a particularly poignant one for Mr Adams, who discovered he had a great-uncle earlier this year, Charles Edward Adams, who died fighting in the conflict at just 18.
Mr Adams, a retired nurse, said: “I count this to be a real honour and privilege to be part of this fantastic fundraising and moving project.
“The display is truly amazing.
“Everyone of those poppies represents a life, including my great uncles.”
The installation, called Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, fills the entire moat around the tower and was unveiled on Tuesday, August 5 this year to mark 100 years since the first full day of Britain’s involvement in the war.
Nigel Adams with his great uncle’s medals and his grave in Brie, France
Mr Adams, 61, a lay preacher at St Mary’s Church, found out about Charles earlier this year after researching his family tree.
He discovered he’d been commemorated by the War Graves Commission at the Brie British Cemetery on the Somme in northern France and travelled there with his wife, Sue, and their friends Alan and Janine Hove to pay his respects.
With the help of Mr Hover, Mr Adams is now is possession of Charles’ silver service medal and his bronze commemorative plaque.
Earlier this month, Mr Adams visited the project at the Tower of London for an evening ceremony, in which his uncle’s name was read in a roll of honour, followed by Last Post.
Each of the poppies represents a British military fatality during the Great War.
“It was the most moving experience. “Helping disman- tle the poppies will finish the story really,” he said.
Mr Adams’ shift is on November 13, from noon to 3pm.
All the poppies that were planted at the Tower have been sold, with 10% of the funds from each to be shared among six service charities: Cobseo, Combat Street, Coming Home, Help for Heroes, SSAFA and the Royal British Legion. Mr Adams has ordered one of the flowers in honour of his uncle.