Leeds Central Library has unearthed poignant photographs of fallen servicemen, including Lance Corporal Herbert Alan Young and Private John Keddie, to honor their memory at the CWGC Venray War Cemetery in the Netherlands. This heartfelt initiative, led by local Dutch residents who adopt and commemorate these graves, beautifully intertwines the histories of Leeds and Venray, ensuring that the sacrifices of these heroes will be forever remembered.
What is the significance of Leeds Central Library’s historical photo find for fallen Leeds servicemen?
Leeds Central Library’s historic photo find honors fallen Leeds servicemen by providing images for their graves at CWGC Venray War Cemetery. Dutch residents adopt these soldiers’ graves, adding personal touches to the commemoration. This gesture strengthens the connection between Leeds and Venray, ensuring these heroes’ stories and sacrifices are not forgotten.
Libraries’ Archival Power Unites Commemorations
In an extraordinary exhibit of archival power and international collaboration, Leeds Central Library has become the instrument of a profound act of remembrance. Photographs of Lance Corporal Herbert Alan Young, Private John Keddie, and Sapper Walter Marshall, Leeds servicemen fallen during the Second World War, have been respectfully laid before their graves at the CWGC Venray War Cemetery. “Each of these soldiers had their own life back home before they went off to war, and they deserve to have their stories and their faces remembered in their final resting place,” expressed Rhian Isaac, senior librarian at Leeds Central Library. This initiative is part of a touching tribute organized by local Dutch residents who “adopt” a soldier every Autumn, adorning graves with candles, flowers, and photographs to stand in for the families who cannot make the journey from the UK.
The Stichting Adoptiegraven Foundation, which honors the memory of the 693 men interred on the outskirts of Venray, reached out to the Local and Family History Library in Leeds for assistance. They were in search of photographs for an upcoming commemoration, having exhausted other historical resources online. The diligent staff at Leeds Central Library scoured through microfilm archives to locate images of the soldiers from local newspapers, which were then sent electronically and transformed into metal plaques for the graves. “It’s very moving and poignant to think that, thanks to the archives kept in their home city, people in Venray will now be able to see what they looked like and be more connected to them when they visit their graves,” Rhian Isaac added.
A Bridge Between Cities: Commemorating Shared History
The commemorative event, marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Venray, saw the photographs placed by each serviceman’s headstone. It was more than a ritual; it was an emotional bridge linking Venray and Leeds through shared history and respect for those who gave their lives. Tom van Mierlo, chairman of the Stichting Adoptiegraven Foundation, spoke of the significance, “The main goal of the foundation is to keep the memory of the 693 men buried in Venray alive.” He elaborated on the foundation’s mission, detailing efforts to give each fallen hero a story reflecting his life, occupation, and the circumstances of his passing.
The initiative extends beyond a mere symbolic gesture, fostering connections between the communities. More than 100 British guests were invited to the commemoration in October, culminating in the planting of a Liberation Tree in the town of Venray. Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, Councillor Mary Harland, lauded the efforts, declaring, “It is fitting that part of their legacy today has been the forging new friendships between two places linked by their shared determination to remember them.”
Profiles of Bravery: The Men Behind the Medals
Details of the soldiers’ lives paint a vivid picture of the individuals behind the service numbers. Lance Corporal Herbert Alan Young, affiliated with the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, was only 23 when he died on November 21, 1944. His compatriot, Sapper Walter Marshall, served with the 613 Field Squadron Royal Engineers and passed at the age of 32 on November 30, 1944. The youngest of the trio, Private John Keddie, belonged to the 9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, succumbing to his injuries at the tender age of 18 on March 29, 1945.
These snapshots of their lives, coupled with the images unearthed from the depths of Leeds’ archives, provide a tangible connection to the past. Councillor Mary Harland, representing Leeds City Council, expressed pride in the city’s library service and its role in honoring the memory of its servicemen. She stated, “These men made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down their lives in service of their country.” Their stories highlight the individual sacrifices made as part of a much larger historical narrative, ensuring that their contributions are never forgotten.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Leeds Central Library and the Stichting Adoptiegraven Foundation underscores the enduring impact of remembering the past and the undying gratitude owed to those who served. As these men’s faces look out from their silent vigils, they are remembered not just as soldiers, but as sons of Leeds, cherished and honored by both their hometown and the residents of Venray, Netherlands.
- Leeds Central Library discovered photographs of fallen servicemen, including Lance Corporal Herbert Alan Young and Private John Keddie, to honor their memory at the CWGC Venray War Cemetery.
- The initiative, led by local Dutch residents who adopt the graves of these soldiers, emphasizes the connection between the histories of Leeds and Venray.
- The photographs, found by library staff through microfilm archives, were transformed into metal plaques placed at each serviceman’s headstone during the commemorative event.
- The event marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Venray and included the participation of over 100 British guests, fostering international friendships.
- The soldiers’ individual stories highlight their sacrifices, ensuring that their contributions to history are remembered and honored by both their hometown and the community in Venray.