Remembering Dorset's WWI soldiers

2nd Lieutenant Wilfred E. Eliot fought in WWI

Wilfred Edmund Eliot, a solider in World War I, will be remembered at a service at Westminster Abbey.

The ceremony in London marks the 91st anniversary of Armistice Day, when the Great War ended in 1918.

2nd Lieutenant Wilfred E. Eliot served with the Dorsetshire regiment. He lost his life during fighting at Mouquet Farm, Thiepeval, on the Somme, France.

Remembering him will be his nephew David Luscombe Eliot, who says he was "surprised" to receive the invitation.

Memorial

David said: "I never met him but my father used to talk about him a lot. They were great friends.

"My uncle Wilfred joined the Devon Yeomanry in 1914, and then he transferred to the Dorset Regiment.

"In 1916 he was sent out to the Somme and he was killed."

David and his family have visited the region where his uncle Wilfred died

Wilfred Eliot's grave is unknown but David and his family have visited the area where he fell.

David said: "There is a wonderful memorial [Lutyens Memorial Arch at Thiepeval] that carries his name, and my wife and I and my brother have visited."

The special service at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 11 November remembers both military and civilian contributions in World War I.

David said: "I was most surprised to receive the invite, but it is an honour to remember Uncle Wilfred."

"The tragedy of his death at only 24 was just too silly, too ridiculous.

"I didn't know him personally so perhaps I won't feel emotionally involved with his memory, but I am extremely proud of his memory and I am extremely privileged to have a number of documents that record his death which were sent to his parents from the government."

Remembering the sacrifice

David, who is also involved with the Dorchester and District High Sheriffs' Association and was once the High Sheriff of Staffordshire, believes it is crucial we remember the sacrifice people like Wilfred made and that Remembrance Day continues to be marked.

He said: "It is absolutely essential that we have examples like Uncle Wilfred and many others, who have given their lives for our sakes and freedom.

"There isn't much we can be proud of these days but we can be proud of someone who died for us at only 24.

"It is of huge importance to us all."

In attendance at the Westminster Abbey service are HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.