Monthly Archives: November 2024

Our commemoration this year has as one of its themes what was happening in November 1914, three months after the German invasion of Belgium led to declaration of war. Southampton was one of the places receiving Belgian soldiers injured in defence of their homeland. Sadly, many died of wounds. Records show the first burial of Belgian soldiers in plots surrounding me was on 28 October 1914. 110 years ago, by 10 November 1914 barely two weeks later, a dozen more had followed. To the people of Southampton this rapidly increasing number of fresh graves here must have been a poignant sign of the impact of war. It’s perhaps one factor which led to the public giving money for this Cross, unveiled in 1916, commemorating, by name, Belgian soldiers buried here and in other local cemeteries, and the response of the … Continue reading →

For those who may, perhaps, not have been aware, 2024 marks the 21 st anniversary of the founding of FoSOC and our 16 th Remembrance Commemoration in this cemetery. When we were founded by John Avery, Veronica Tippetts and myself, we were very limited in our operations as we were starting from scratch. As you will all appreciate, FoSOC has progressed very well, thanks to the hard work, over the years, of its committee and members. We are all, as volunteers, dedicated to our work in, and connected to, this cemetery. If you have not seen the display in the former non-conformist chapel, put together by Val Ferguson, our Secretary, please do take the opportunity to do so. Our co-Founder, Veronica, is our Lord Mayor’s Mum so, please, Lord Mayor, take to her our very best wishes, and sincere thanks, for her part in … Continue reading →

Friend of Southampton Old Ceremony will be holding a ceremony at the Old Cemetery on Sunday the 10th November at 2.30pm. Starting from the Cross of Sacrifice and concluding at the Belgian War Memorial. All are welcome.

Saturday the 2nd November Guide Lizzie O’Sullivan took her last walk for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for 2024. Lizzie has previously taken a few more during this year and if was her first time as a guide for the CWGC as, Eyes on, Hands on. These walks are just on the CWG in the Old Cemetery. As you will see the walk was very well attended, with some saying how much they enjoyed the walk and would come on more walk in the future regarding the Old Cemetery, they wanted to know more, of those buried .

All Saints’ Day was celebrated on November 1st to remember all saints and martyrs during Christian history. It was followed by All Souls’ Day on November 2nd to commemorate those who have passed within the faith. You will see by the photos lots of candles and flowers on and around the Cross of Sacrifice.