Bandon War Memorial Committee
Ellis Family Trip
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 23rd 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.