My grandfather was shot through the back of his neck by a sniper at the Somme. He was fortunate not to bleed to death. Three other Bellews died and have no graves.
They are commemorated in the Olympic Park in East London. 72,396 British and Commonwealth servicemen were killed at the Somme and have no known grave. Artist, Rob Heard, has spent four years hand-sewing shrouds and binding them over 72,396 small figures.
This moving art installation had been open for fewer than two hours when I visited it yesterday morning and it was already attracting crowds and organised groups of schoolchildren. It was also my first visit to the Olympic Park.
It would have been remiss of me not to look for one familiar name: Percy Jeeves.
It is an awesome and moving sight on display until 18th November. If you are making your first visit to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, its correct name, you will be dismayed to be funnelled through the Westfield shopping centre when you leave Stratford station.