Back to the battlefields this week - a great 3 days out guiding. Brilliant weather, a great group and the joy of being in some of my favourite places on Planet Earth. A great way to get back into the swing of things!

It's good to be back ❤️

Today, on the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme starting, we remember those who served on this infamous battlefield - those who died, those who were wounded, those who lived to tell of the events they witnessed and those who were never found. #Somme110

The war diary for 70 FA shows that Sgt Hillman, along with 16 privates and a captain were sent to operate out of Railway Dugouts ADS in preparation for the battle. Whilst there, at 8am, a shell landed in the doorway, killing 9 and wounding 6 others. (3/3)

His service records show that he attested on 29/8/14 into the RAMC, was promoted to Cpl in April 15 and then Sgt in April 16. His personal details also show that he married Amy Preece on 26/12/16 and his home address was now 2 Duke St. (2/3)

Thread: #OTD in 1917, the Battle for Messines Ridge started and Sgt Roger Hillman of 70th Field Ambulance from Blackheath, Staffordshire was killed. One of 6 children, he was a warehouseman pre-war. (1/3)

Of course mini Moore already has a well stocked bookcase at just 6 weeks old. She may need another one already 🤣

Even on Maternity Leave, I still have to stop and admire war memorials - with todays selection coming from a visit earlier in the week to Shrewsbury, covering the towns Boer and First World War Memorials, and the impressive county memorial too.

Our wonderful little princess Alice, finally arrived last week. We are completely in love with her and can't wait for all the wonderful adventures we have coming our way. Thank you to everyone who has already shared their good wishes 💕

So now I've officially stopped working, its time to get ready for the arrival of Baby Moore! Starting off with the wonderful Winnie the Pooh baby shower we had yesterday arranged by my mom and sisters, who did a fantastic job as always ❤️ Can't wait to meet you soon little one ❤️

My last Last Post Ceremony for a little while. An exciting few months coming my way but I shall miss Ypres ❤️

Back to it posting after an unintended, but appreciated, period away from social media. I'm back on the battlefields for two days, before taking my Maternity Leave! A Bedford House @cwgc.bsky.social visit where the crocuses are already blooming beautifully.

Had such a great time on Anglia Tours guide training, as always. Thank you to everyone involved: the office for organising, guides who volunteered to do stands. And a big thank you to everyone for being such great colleagues and friends! One more tour to go in 25, but now on to 2026!

Had a few days away from social media whilst I've been on holiday in Malta for my mom's 60th birthday! Still today and tomorrow to go and my 2nd visit to this island has not disapointed! Tell you what though, its weird seeing Christmas decorations go up in 20+C weather! 🤣

The inscription of 2nd Lt Bovey in Lijssenthoek who died of wounds received in the Bluff Sector whilst leading a patrol. 'And so make life, death and that vast for-ever one grand sweet song.' Aged 23, son of Alfred and Jennie Bovey of 165 St John's Hill, Battersea.

They shall grow not old, As we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, Nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them. Remembrance Sunday 2025

#OTD in 1917, Pte Thomas Willetts of Blackheath, Staffs was killed whilst serving with 14th Bn Worcs Regt (Pioneers). A prewar labourer, his body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Tynecot Memorial. 35 year old Thomas left behind widow Emily and children Florrie, Doris and Thomas.

#OTD in 1917, Pte John Blakeway of Blackheath, Staffs was killed serving with 205 Coy Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) in positions at Fitzclarence Farm. Aged just 19, John was buried in The Huts Cemetery.

#OTD in 1916, Pte Wilfred Dunn of Rowley Regis was killed was serving with 2nd Bn Worcs Regt whilst involved in an attack on positions ending at BENNET Trench, between Lesboeufs and Le Transloy. A pre war coal miner, Wilfred's body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial

#OTD in 1916, Pte John Edward Beale of Old Hill DOW received whilst serving with 14th Bn Worcs Regt. A miner prewar, he left behind widow Harriet and 2 children - Dorothy and John. John is buried in Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt l'Abbe. His brother Harry was killed 3 months later in Iraq.

#OTD in 1918, Sapper Clifford Simnett of Blackheath, Staffs was killed in action near CHERENG whilst serving with 74th Div Signal Company, R.E. His original grave was located in Baisieux Churchyard but was concentrated in 1929 to Arras Road Cemetery, Roclincourt.

Delighted to announce that we're adding to the Moore clan! What's that phrase about new house, new baby?! 😊 Coming April 2026. Can't wait to meet you, little one ❤️

Blog post: historyandmoore.com/2020/10/11/4... Podcast with Terry of Tales from the Battlefields Podcast: open.spotify.com/episode/5vWD...

Thread: Today has marked the 110th anniversary of the actions at the Hohenzollern Redoubt - a truly dark day for the men of 46th North Midland Division and their families. If you'd like to know more about that day, you can read my blog and listen to a podcast I've recorded (posted below):

#OTD in 1915, four men from Blackheath/Rowley Regis/Old Hill were killed during the attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt and are all commemorated on the Loos Memorial. The fourth Pte Solomon Wilding was 21 yrs old and serving with 1st/5th South Staffs Regt: buff.ly/47MG1MQ

#OTD in 1915, four men from Blackheath/Rowley Regis/Old Hill were killed during the attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt and are all commemorated on the Loos Memorial. The third, Pte James Sidaway was 19 and serving with 1st/5th South Staffs Regt: buff.ly/47MG1MQ

#OTD in 1915, 4 men from Blackheath/Rowley Regis/Old Hill were killed during the attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt and are commemorated on the Loos Memorial. The 2nd, Pte James Townsend was 31 and serving with 1st/5th North Staffs Regt. He left behind widow Laura and children Mary, Beatrice & Annie

#OTD in 1915, four men from Blackheath/Rowley Regis/Old Hill were killed during the attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt and are all commemorated on the Loos Memorial. The first, Pte David Meakin was 17 yrs old and serving with 1st/5th South Staffs Regt: buff.ly/47MG1MQ

#OTD in 1917, Pte Captain Law of Blackheath, Staffs was killed serving with 1st Bn Royal Warks Regt near JOLIE FARM during the First Battle of Passchendaele. Aged 22, Captain's body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

#OTD in 1916, Pte Ernest Smith of Old Hill, Staffs was killed serving with 1st Bn Warks Regt in trenches east of Les Boeufs. Aged 21, Ernest's body was never recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.