Royal British Legion Somme 'shell fuse' Poppy Pins
Discussion
I have always been a resolute supporter of the Remembrance Day parades in November, and always attend my local service at the Cathedral. I have no familial military history, nor affiliation with the forces - however I am grateful to live in a free country, provided by the sacrifice of others. Hence, I think it important to spend just a few hours out of my life to remember.
Bit poignant, sorry - but anyway, onto the point of the thread.
I have recently purchased a couple of Poppy pin badges from the Royal British Legion. These badges are made from melted-down British artillery shell fuses, which are still being churned and dug up in the fields around the Somme, some 100 years later.
They come in a lovely presentation box, and rather beautifully, each box features a certificate with the name and service number of a British soldier, who fell there 100 years ago. I have spent a quite tearful few hours on the internet, looking up the history of my soldier, and have found his family tree and history. To read the names of his parents and where he was from really does make it all quite real again, even 100 years later. I am humbled and grateful for his sacrifice, and I have been thinking of both him and his family.
I wondered if anyone else has bought one of these - if not, then I might suggest having a look. They do them in batches so you may have to wait awhile for one after ordering, but I challenge you to buy anything that will make you stop and think more than getting one of these.
Bit poignant, sorry - but anyway, onto the point of the thread.
I have recently purchased a couple of Poppy pin badges from the Royal British Legion. These badges are made from melted-down British artillery shell fuses, which are still being churned and dug up in the fields around the Somme, some 100 years later.
They come in a lovely presentation box, and rather beautifully, each box features a certificate with the name and service number of a British soldier, who fell there 100 years ago. I have spent a quite tearful few hours on the internet, looking up the history of my soldier, and have found his family tree and history. To read the names of his parents and where he was from really does make it all quite real again, even 100 years later. I am humbled and grateful for his sacrifice, and I have been thinking of both him and his family.
I wondered if anyone else has bought one of these - if not, then I might suggest having a look. They do them in batches so you may have to wait awhile for one after ordering, but I challenge you to buy anything that will make you stop and think more than getting one of these.
I'm absolutely delighted, and a little bit humbled, that my post has provoked so many to look at donating to the Royal British Legion, and receiving the same lovely pins as I did.
I hope you all enjoy your badges, and it's fabulous that you all feel the same as I do and the importance of never forgetting.
Peace and love to you all
I hope you all enjoy your badges, and it's fabulous that you all feel the same as I do and the importance of never forgetting.
Peace and love to you all
alcad said:
I meant to write about this a few weeks back, I bought one of these and wore it to a party at my mates house who happens to have his own business in the jewellery quarter in Birmingham and knows the guy who makes them.
Basically he goes over to France, knocks on farmers doors asking them for any used shells they have dug up, they are more than happy to hand them over as it costs them to dispose of them otherwise. Then he just drives home with a boot full of used ordnance! (Apparently he has paperwork to allow him to do this).
It was his idea to make these poppies and he put the idea to the RBL.
Anyway my mate has put in a quote to help with manufacturing them next year as they can't cope with demand. Also next years will also incorporate a leaf, coloured with green enamel mixed with wood taken from the British trench supports.
That's awesome, thanks for posting Basically he goes over to France, knocks on farmers doors asking them for any used shells they have dug up, they are more than happy to hand them over as it costs them to dispose of them otherwise. Then he just drives home with a boot full of used ordnance! (Apparently he has paperwork to allow him to do this).
It was his idea to make these poppies and he put the idea to the RBL.
Anyway my mate has put in a quote to help with manufacturing them next year as they can't cope with demand. Also next years will also incorporate a leaf, coloured with green enamel mixed with wood taken from the British trench supports.
really interesting to hear a bit more about how they're made. And ooh, I'm looking forward to next year's new design too, that will be nice 
AndyDubbya said:
My 14-year-old niece went on a school trip to the Somme in the summer, and found “my” soldier’s name from last year’s poppy, which she now has as it seemed appropriate. I’ve bought a Passchendaele one to replace it.
Seeing his name carved in the stone certainly made it all the more real, and all the more moving.
Delightful post, thanks for sharing.Seeing his name carved in the stone certainly made it all the more real, and all the more moving.
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