Barry Ellis, a hard working and enthusiastic member of our committee and five other members of the Ellis family, Peggie, Liam, Marion Gandy, Georgina Crowley and Eta Quinn on the 23^rd May 1997 went for the first time to visit the grave of their Uncle, Sgt James Ellis. He is buried in a communal cemetery extension in Mazingarge in France. Another member of the committee David Sheehan, P.R.O. accompanied them at the time. Having researched and found out where the grave was 6 months previously Barry contacted Flanders Tours run by retired Col. Graham Parker.

Graham organised a prayer service at the graveside it was the next best thing to attending his funeral. This was a sentimental time for the Ellis family.

David Sheehan’s grandfather also named David whose name is on a list on the wall of La–Touret cemetery with the names of four other Bandon men, J.Burke, P. Cummins, and 1st Lieut. Sealy-King, and Ml. Nagle. They did not have time during the trip to visit the cemetery in Etaples at Pas de Calais where David’s granduncle’s name is on a wall plaque. Both their names also appear on the walls at Theipval memorial. (Click here for pri ntable version)

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