Monthly Archives: November 2025

We continue the second part of our Act of Remembrance here at the Belgian Cross. It’s one of the earliest memorials commemorating First World War dead, having been erected and dedicated as early as 1916. It commemorates those Belgian soldiers named here, and the response of the people of Southampton in giving sanctuary and support to them and civilian refugees.  Today’s Remembrance Sunday marks the eightieth anniversary of the end of hostilities in Europe, on 8 May 1945, and the formal ending of the Second World War on 2 September 1945 following the Japanese surrender on 15 August.  Standing here at this Belgian Memorial, it’s appropriate to recall events in Belgium. On 10 May 1940 German troops advanced rapidly into Belgium. On 18 May, the first civilian refugees from the Netherlands, Belgium and France began disembarking here in Southampton. Arrangements … Continue reading →

FoSOC’s Remembrance Commemoration 2025 was, once again, in two parts, first at the Cross of Sacrifice led by Geoff Watts and afterwards at the Belgian Memorial with Graham Linecar, both members of FoSOC.  At the Cross, Geoff began by letting everyone know the very sad news that our President, the highly acclaimed and distinguished architectural and cemetery historian Professor James Stevens Curl had passed away on 5 November. Geoff paid a moving tribute to him and there was a silence in respectful memory.  We had the honour of our commemoration being attended by the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr James Baillie, and distinguished guests. The Escort for the Lord Mayor was excellently   provided by Southampton Sea Cadets with their Commander, Lt. Lindsay Bassett RNR. Geoff recalled that this year marked the 80 th anniversary of the end of World War II with commemoration … Continue reading →

FoSOC have been very saddened to learn of the death, last Wednesday evening (5th November), of FoSOC’s President, Professor James Stevens Curl, peacefully at his home in Belfast. He has been our President, and a very good friend to us, from our very beginning, 2003. He and his wife Dorota took such a great personal interest in FoSOC and our activities at this cemetery, a place he regarded as a Treasure of Hampshire. He was always available and very willing to give his invaluable help and advice to us. He and Dorota came to our Remembrance Commemoration only just a few years ago. Our thoughts are with his wife Dorota, his daughters Astrid and Ingrid, and the family. We shall all miss him greatly and will remember a highly respected and lovely man.  Photo of bust; In September 2017, he … Continue reading →