These family photos are all I have left of my grandfather and uncle who both died in the world wars

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Published: Saturday, 27 April 2024 at 09:00 AM

My paternal grandfather Thomas Cameron was a Royal Marine, here seated at the front second from the right on the HMS Pylades in Australia in 1901. He died of wounds in the First World War in October 1914.

Black and white photograph of a woman and four little boys in mourning clothes

Thomas’ widow, my grandmother Emily Cameron, and their sons at his funeral.

Black and white photograph of four young men in 1940s clothes

The brothers as adults. My dad Jack is seated on the left.

Black and white photograph of a man in Second World War uniform

My uncle James Cameron, Thomas and Emily’s son, was also killed in a war, at the Battle of El Alamein in the Second World War.

Black and white photograph of a young man in First World War uniform

My maternal grandfather also fought in the First World War – he was born Edward Coekin, but changed his name to Alfred Turner. Grandad survived the war, but forfeited his medals and was given two years’ hard labour in 1918. We don’t know why.

Tinted photograph of a woman with brown hair wearing a green cardigan and a bonnet

My maternal grandmother had the charming name Minnie Mellows until she wed Alf. 

Black and white photograph of a man laughing and holding twin little girls at the seaside

My father with my twin sister and I in the 1960s.