Centenary of Passchendaele 31st July 2017

On July 31st 1917, the small Belgian village of Passchendaele became the focus of one of the most gruelling and bloody battles of World War 1. One hundred years later, commemorations of Passchendaele, also known as the 3rd Battle of Ypres, will be held at the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium and also at Tyne Cot Memorial nearby.

Our current president Christine Thorpe will attend the ceremonies and take the opportunity to place a wreath in memory of two March Grammar School Old Boys who were killed in action during the battle.

Captain Frances William Ford MC

1st Battalion Cambridgeshire Regiment

Died on 26th September 1917 Age 24

Remembered with Honour

Tyne Cot memorial

Frances Ford was born in 1893, the son of Reverend John Ford who was headmaster of March Grammar School and a curate of St. John’s Church. Frances went to Cambridge University and was awarded a BA Degree. He returned to teach at March Grammar School before the outbreak of the war.

He joined the Cambridgeshire Regiment and by July 2017 held the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. On the first day of Passchendaele his actions earned him the Military Cross.

His gallantry award was described and published in The London Gazette 1917:

“2nd Lt. Francis William Ford, Cambs. R. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an action. He took command of his company when the company commander had been wounded, and held a very important position against four hostile counter-attacks, holding on with only a few men until ordered to withdraw. His courage and leadership inspired all ranks.”

At the time of his death in September 1917 he is recorded as holding the rank of Captain.

Driver R Crawley

D Battery. 92nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery

Died on 29th September 1917

Remembered with Honour

Welsh Cemetery (Caesar’s Nose)

R Crawley was born in 1894, the son of Robert Crawley a grocer formerly of Station Road, March. He attended March Grammar School and left in 1912.