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Joanna Melville led the
procession from the car park, playing a lament
for her father on her flute.
His achievements as an army engineer
in World
War II were among his proudest memories -
achievements mentioned in
dispatches (represented
by the oak leaf on his
memorial stone) and still remembered by his
surviving colleagues.
The British Legion flag was carried before his
coffin as a symbol of respect.
(Photo: Terry Mills)
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The procession arrives at the
spot selected for Bill's burial.
When we cleared the brambles before digging the
grave, we discovered a tall Scots thistle - the
perfect symbol for the Scotsman who was to be
buried there.
(Photo: Terry Mills)
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Sharing memories of a man we
loved: the final goodbye.
An informal celebration of a special life. Bill
disliked formality but he loved music; so we
sang the songs he used to sing when we, his
daughters, were children.
He asked to be buried in a simple pine box;
this was made by a local craftsman.
We covered the coffin with a REME flag, on which
we placed his medals and army beret.
(Photo: Terry Mills) |
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A wild rose at his head, a
rowan tree at his feet.
Bill loved birds; they will sing for him here.
(Photo: Terry Mills) |
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The mourners leave the grave
site.
Wildflowers planted and watered, they will
spread across the glade.
More will be added later - we continue to tend
this woodland garden, transplanting the
bluebells and violets that push through the
paths.
(Photo: Terry Mills) |
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A peaceful resting place.
(Photo: Terry Mills) |
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Bill's simple headstone is
made of local slate.
The yellow poppies represent his enduring love
of Wales.
(Photo: Terry Mills)
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The last to leave the
grave:
Bill's dog Shiela. She died a year later and has been buried near her master.
(Photo: Terry Mills) |
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