Memory Anchor

#behindthescenes mapping the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Sittard War Cemetery, Netherlands 🇳🇱 🗓️ At Sittard War Cemetery, the burials are (apart from a few dating from November 1944) almost all from the months of January and February 1945. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The men buried here belong mostly to the Scottish regiments of the 52nd (Lowland) Division, engaged in the battle in this vicinity from 18th to 24th January 1945. 📌 These regiments were responsible for the clearing of a salient west of the River Roer which was still held by the Germans. Ryan Mullens Kai Evenson

Cemeteries feel particularly special around the holidays. Between the elk footprints in the snow, and snow covered trees at Old Banff Cemetery, it was a privilege to pay respects to veterans buried here surrounded on all sides by the stone sentinels of the Rocky Mountains. It’s thanks to the veterans buried here in cemeteries around this country and abroad that I’ve never known what it is to spend Christmas in a trench and I’ve had the privilege of spending every single Christmas with my kids. Pictured in the video: Welby — served in WW1 and survived the war, the inscription is very moving: “His banner over me was love” Walls — was a Banff native and logged over 600 flying hours with the RCAF/RAF in the Egypt campaigns before being promoted. Tragically he died in a crash, along with his crew, off the northeast coast of the United States. The whole town of Banff mourned him. His inscription reads: “Age 23. In loving memory of Jordy. Killed in active service.” Montgomery — Although more that sixty years of age, one year after the outbreak of world war 1, he joined the 217th Battalion at Edmonton as chaplain and later went overseas, where he was appointed chaplain of the Canadian Military Hospital, Eastbourne England. They gave their tomorrows for our today. Here’s to a Christmas spent in peace with those we love and I hope you will join me in a Christmas or new years toast to their memory over the break. Merry Christmas 🎄 🥂

After months of grueling combat, the First Canadian Army found brief respite during the winter of 1944-45 in the Netherlands, France, and Belgium. Troops near Nijmegen were billeted with Dutch families, sharing rations and celebrating Christmas with local children. Morale was boosted with leave passes to visit nearby towns, enjoy meals at the Canada Club, or travel to England to reunite with loved ones. A lucky few returned home to Canada for a 30-day leave, receiving heartfelt welcomes. 📸 Photos: Canadians sharing Christmas moments in WWII. Credit: Juno Beach Centre #WWIIHistory #CanadianArmy #LestWeForget #ChristmasAtWar #MemoryAnchor

During WWII, Christmas away from home was especially tough for soldiers. Letters and parcels became lifelines of love and comfort. Amidst the hardships, Christmas offered moments of joy, good meals, and camaraderie—keeping hope alive for a better future. #WWIIHistory #ChristmasAtWar #HistoricalMoments #LestWeForget #Commemoration #MemoryAnchor

Pilot Officer Lawrence Harry Gleason served with honor in the Royal Canadian Air Force, 458 Squadron (R.A.A.F.), during the Second World War. Tragically, he lost his life in an air crash on Malta on February 13, 1943, after an engine failure. His story, along with his burial location at Malta (Capuccini) Naval Cemetery, can be explored on the Memory Anchor App. Download today to honor heroes like Pilot Officer Gleason and explore their stories. #MemoryAnchor #SoldierSpotlight #WWIIHistory #LestWeForget #RoyalCanadianAirForce #HeroicSacrifice #Commemoration #CWGC #Veterans #HistoryMatters #Legacy #AugmentedReality #DigitalRemembrance #PreservingHistory

Huge thanks to the world class team at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for putting together an inspiring itinerary for our whirlwind UK tour: 1) Commemorations at Christmas at the Guards’ Chapel in London (80 years ago and just after D-Day a V1 bomb hit the chapel which is now rebuilt, hugely moving) 2) Onsite tour at CWGC Brookwood Military Cemetery (the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the UK, a wealth of inspiring stories here) 3) Tour through the Runnymede Air Force Memorial (20,000 air crew lost during the Second World War are named here, the Memorial was officially opened by The Queen in 1953 as one of her first official duties as Queen of England) 4) Tour around the Tower Hill Memorial in London (over 36,000 women and men of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who died in both world wars are commemorated here) Ryan Mullens Kai Evenson Matthew Stewart

83 years ago, December 7th 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor changed the course of history, claiming the lives of 2,403 Americans and propelling the United States into WWII. Today, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of those who served and endured that day. Their courage remains a reminder of resilience and unity. #PearlHarbor #WWIIHistory #LestWeForget #Remembrance #HonorTheFallen #NeverForget #MilitaryHistory #PearlHarborDay #MemoryAnchor

Soldier Spotlight: Chief Boatswain’s Mate Edwin Joseph Hill On December 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Edwin Joseph Hill demonstrated incredible courage. He led his men to release the USS Nevada’s lines, enabling the ship to move out of the harbor. Tragically, he lost his life while attempting to release the anchors. For his courage and selflessness, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. You can learn more about Edwin’s story on the Medal of Honor tour within the Memory Anchor app at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. #SoldierSpotlight #PearlHarbor #MedalOfHonor #MemoryAnchor #LestWeForget #WWIIHistory #Remembrance #MilitaryHeroes #HonorTheFallen #NationalMemorialCemeteryOfThePacific #memoryanchor

Telegram Tuesday: A Glimpse into the Past This heartfelt letter comes from George Shipley, written on August 6, 1915, while on route to the Dardanelles during WWI. A Company Sergeant Major in the 10th Middlesex Regiment, George was one of many Great Western Railway Audit Office staff who enlisted to serve. Born on August 18, 1878, George’s words reflect a time of hope and duty amidst the uncertainty of war. Tragically, he gave his life on December 2, 1915. Through these letters, we honor the personal sacrifices and connections of those who served. #TelegramTuesday #SoldiersLetters #LestWeForget #WWIHistory #Remembrance #MilitaryHistory #HonoringOurHeroes #GreatWesternRailway #WarStories

This week’s Soldier Spotlight honors Walter John Mayo, born in Richmond, London, on May 12, 1910. Walter rose to Warrant Officer Class II in the Royal Artillery, serving with the 7th Coast Regiment in Singapore. Just weeks after marrying his wife, Iris, in October 1941, the Japanese invasion of Malaya began. Walter saw Iris for the last time on January 30, 1942, as she evacuated Singapore. Captured when Singapore fell, Walter became a POW and was forced to work on the infamous Burma/Siam Railway under brutal conditions. On September 9, 1943, Walter died at 33 from malnutrition. He is buried at Chungkai War Cemetery in Thailand. His grave bears Iris’s poignant words: “In proud and precious memory of my very dear husband, sadly missed. Iris.” Through Memory Anchor, Walter’s legacy is preserved, ensuring his story of courage, love, and sacrifice continues to inspire future generations. By connecting people to the lives behind the names, our app helps ensure these heroes are never forgotten. #SoldierSpotlight #LestWeForget #WWIIHistory #RoyalArtillery #ChungkaiWarCemetery #BurmaSiamRailway #Remembrance #CWGC #MemoryAnchor #HonoringOurHeroes #MilitaryHistory #WarStories