St. Mary's Church, Harefield.wmv

[@ravenheck3850]

Thank you for this walk down memory lane. So many many hours of my childhood were spent in this Church and the grounds. I now live in Canada and can't visit it freely but this was SUCH a vital part of my growing up. It's good to see this.

[@keithblake]

My Great Great Grandfather is buried there, Robert Edward Ryder, VC. 1895-1978 Awaded the Victoria Cross for " Most conspicious bravery and initiative during an attack" at the village Thiepval during the battle of the Somme in September 1916 . Laid to rest in St Mary the Virgin Churchyard Harefield.. I got this of a plaque that was put up for him.. not sure if it was at the church or his place of residence.. I am in Australia but never been to England.

[@OzyDoc]

Interesting. You uploaded this video on the very day that we visited this church and the ANZAC war graves from Australia.

[@baldcav1]

Just found out that my 9th great grandparents were married here in 1648. How beautiful. Thomas Long and Katherine Edwards.

[@keithblake]

From Wikipedia.... On 26 September 1916 at Thiepval, France, Private Ryder's company was held up by heavy rifle fire and all his officers had become casualties. For want of leadership the attack was flagging when Private Ryder, realising the situation and without a moment's thought for his own safety dashed, absolutely alone, at the enemy trench and by skilful handling of his Lewis gun succeeded in clearing the trench. This very gallant act inspired his comrades, made the subsequent advance possible and turned what could have been failure into success.

[@keithblake]

You have to wonder what goes through the heads of the people that do these things...