Our War Heroes Project

Information on those family members who have died serving their country was found on the Commonwealth War Graves' website and from our BFA database and charted in the last newsletter. Using assembled data, I have been putting together a booklet as a memorial to these people.

In reality I am only able to gather enough information on most people to fill a third of a page. This is proving to be a sad and disappointing task. Where members have been able to contribute further information and a photo I have been able to fill the page. This, I feel, becomes a fitting tribute.

Dennis James Blencowe was only a name and death on the CWG site and he was the only “fallen” not to be on the Blencowe database. I was so saddened by his anonymity that I have spent many hours tracking down people who either remember him or know of him.

I could now fill about 3 pages on Dennis who was born in Whitchurch in 1924 to Harry Blencowe and Edith Skitt. I can now list his siblings, some of whom are still alive. His grandparents also lost a son, Percy in the previous World War. I have learnt about his schooling, his interests and his special young lady. I have photos of the air crash that killed him (which I'd never use), photos of the spot today and an account of his final fatal mission to drop supplies to our soldiers in preparation for D.day.

From a seemly homeless orphan, I have discovered a vital young man, part of a loving family with links back to Bicester. He even has a niece, Denise Blencowe, named after him.

I thank those members and others who have contributed to this project but appeal to others who enjoy researching to pick a hero from the list and see what you can find on these men. What you find might be disturbing but the result will be rewarding.

Anne