Modern Period

Centenary of the War Memorial

John Dixon gave a talk at the Anchor pub on 10 May 2022 on the centenary of the War Memorial with emphasis on Pte Brian Soden and Anle Seaman Matthew Stuart (accounts of their lives and deaths can be read in the sections below).

Able Seaman Matthew Stuart

Matthew Stuart was born on 21 May 1964 and killed on 21 May 1982 in the Falklands. The document, accessible via 'Read More' below, was created in 2007, it is a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of his death on active service by those who knew and loved him.

A 40th Anniversary commemoration of Matthew's death was held at Tewkesbury Schhol, attended  by Matthew's mother and sister.

Private Bryan D. Soden

Pte. Soden was killed on 19 June 1972 while patrolling the Ardoyne area of Belfast. Although he was only 20 years of age when he lost his life, he was then serving on this third tour of Northern Ireland, his regiment having been one of the first to be famously ‘welcomed’ into the province as ‘peacemakers’ in 1969. Pte. Soden was awarded a military funeral in Tewkesbury Abbey and he is buried near the entrance of Tewkesbury Cemetery.

John Dixon

Jack Chambers, POW Imjin River, Korea, 1951-3

Seventy years ago the Battle of Imjin Rover was fought in Korea (April 22-25 1951). Although we suffered no local dead, one young man, Jack Chambers, was captured during this battle. He has died since I wrote his biography 2011 to commemorate the 60th anniversary, and I present it here for the 70th.