In late October of last year a relative of one of the fallen from the Great War approached the Association with a special request, “Was there any way that a wreath could be laid at her Grandfather’s grave in France?” Pte. Francis Boniface of the 4th Batt. Royal Sussex, lost his life in a joint action with the French towards the end of the war. Investigation showed that he was buried in the CWGC cemetery in Villemontoire, which is a mere 20 miles north of the Regiments’ Memorial in Priez. Contact was made with the Mayoress of Villemontoire who was honoured and delighted to be of assistance, and on the 11 November 2022 Madam la Marie Jacqueline Lévêque gave a speech at the graveside of Pte. Boniface, with an honour guard supplied by the L’Amicale du 67 ème Régiment d’infanterie. A wreath of Blue and Orange flowers was laid by Madam Guilmain representing the Mayor, Councillors and Citizens of Priez, and Mrs Marian Billinghurst’s wreath of poppies was laid by Monsieur Yves Sarrasin, President of the Regimental Association (67 ème Régiment d’infanterie) based in Soissons. The Regimental Association is extremely grateful, and humbled, by the expression of remembrance shown by our friends in France. Merci.
