First World War - Pond Farm Cemetery

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First World War - Pond Farm Cemetery

Рет қаралды 9,546

Күн бұрын

A short film dedicated to the memory of Private Patrick Kelly, 6th Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment.
Filmed using an Osmo 2 Mobile and a Mavic Pro drone in December 2018.

Пікірлер: 115

@grahambrunton7498 5 жыл бұрын

Private Patrick Kelly is my Great Uncle. I knew nothing of him at all until recent times. As far as I know, none of his family have seen where he lies, We hope to visit his grave this coming year. My family are so very grateful to you Steven for this touching tribute to the young Soldier. We thank you for your kindness. Maureen and the wider Kelly family.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

It was a pleasure to do this for you and your family. We must never forget the sacrifice these men made.

@pcgamez4ever14 3 жыл бұрын

It's almost impssible to imagine the landscape of the area 100 years ago. How is it possible that these beautiful green fields where a horrific battlefield during the first world war. The contrast can't be bigger, now this place is extremely peaceful, but 100 years ago this was some of the worst places to be on earth that time. The drone footage brings a very nice and beautiful touch. Thanks for your video's and remembrance to the fallen, lest we forget.

@StevenUpton14-18 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@windleshamwanderer3728 3 жыл бұрын

My Great Uncle Frederick George Smith, was killed in France and has no known grave. He is remembered on the Thiepval memorial and was in the East Kent regiment. These films bring back the sobering and truly humbling experience of visiting a number of these memorials and cemeteries. Both of my Grandfathers were regulars at the outset of war and received the 1914 star. These were truly exceptional generations of people. I remember reading a passages some years ago which went; If you can read this, thank a teacher. If its in English, thank a soldier.

@StevenUpton14-18 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. Sorry for your family’s loss. We will remember them.

@michaelfinger7302 Ай бұрын

Mr. Upton, your films are beautiful, informative, and at the same time, heartbreaking because they show the full extent of the horrors of World War One. For some reason, this is the war nobody talks about (I'm in the U.S.), but the death toll was staggering from the new "machines of war" like machine guns, tanks, flame throwers, airplanes, mines, and more. You very clearly show that almost all of France was a battlefield (for the Second World War as well), but what I never realized was how much of the past is still visible in the form of trenches, ruins, cemeteries. A hit BBC show, "Peaky Blinders" features a character who was a tunneler in this war, and of course I was aware of the trenches, but had no idea of the extent of the tunnels dug beneath enemy lines. Thank you for sharing these. As you say, let us never forget the sacrifices made here.

@StevenUpton14-18 Ай бұрын

Thank you for watching. Two weeks ago I was back in France and visited three American WW1 cemeteries. They are stunningly beautiful and a credit to your nation.

@TheGiantKillers 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this. The drone flies so tantalisingly close to my gt Grandfather's grave that I could almost read it. Going here in 48 hours to see it in person.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. Sorry I missed your GF's grave. He lies in a very peaceful place. With it being very wet you may need some wellies as you cannot park very close and have to walk on unpaved ground to get to it.

@barrybigballs6339 4 жыл бұрын

The Giant Killers how did your visit go?

@clive.r1414 5 жыл бұрын

Well done Stephen a fitting memorial to Patrick Kelly and a moving film for his relatives to view. Again brilliant views from the drone camera.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@SuperDiggery 5 жыл бұрын

As always Steven - moving and informative. Thank you so much for sharing your work.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@burtonlee22 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Steven, very moving, one of your best. Lovely choice of music. Appreciate very much all these videos that you produce.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and the encouraging feedback.

@markgoddard2560 4 жыл бұрын

I enjoy watching your films over and again. I wonder if you would make a film of where the opposing armies were when they ceased fighting in 1918. I have never been certain of where they were when the slaughter stopped.

@StevenUpton14-18 4 жыл бұрын

I read one account of a Mons veteran who on the 11 Nov 18 at the ceasefire was within 100 yards of where he was in August 1914 on the first day the BEF went into action.

@markgoddard2560 4 жыл бұрын

Steven Upton. I think that says it all. A very good example.

@stedoy5935 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Steven, I'm Irish and it was a lovely dedication to private kelly. Well done sir.

@StevenUpton14-18 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@rob4b 5 жыл бұрын

Stunning and emotional. Thank you.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@christopheghesquier1847 Жыл бұрын

I am from Armentieres, jus a few miles from there, where I live for 45 years. All my adult years I tramped around Ieper-Ypres-Wypers to visit memory sites and I know this cemetery.

@StevenUpton14-18 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@dellefox8153 2 жыл бұрын

We will remember them. Thank you, Steven.

@StevenUpton14-18 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@jmhallett1045 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks - my great uncle George Carver lies there - my mum visited several times.

@StevenUpton14-18 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. We will remember them.

@wallyhaskett6737 5 жыл бұрын

Thank your for this amazing video.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@raymondmiller5098 5 жыл бұрын

Another fine video, Steven! Many thanks for your work!

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@Johnsmith-yq2ji 5 жыл бұрын

Steven, you have a real gift my friend, keep it up. RBL Borough of Crosby Branch, Merseyside.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. RBL Riders Branch.

@nickgeorge2176 3 жыл бұрын

All those cemeterys give me a deep sadness , what a terrible tragic loss of life.

@StevenUpton14-18 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@davideccles7805 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steven, Another excellent film I have been watching all your other posts on WW1. For people who like myself live too far away (other side of the world) it is Really good to see these short films and to see where family members fought and died. RIP

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and your encouraging feedback.

@davehollingworth5537 5 жыл бұрын

Fantastic. Thank you. RIP Private Kelly and all others in Pond Farm.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. "We shall remember them."

@andersonsroad5161 4 жыл бұрын

Thankyou for making these vids Steve. They help me understand what my grandfather saw and experienced.

@StevenUpton14-18 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. Mine too.

@andersonsroad5161 4 жыл бұрын

@@StevenUpton14-18 I know shooting and editing the vids takes a significant investment of your time. My grandfather was a company runner 37th Battalion 1 AIF. We have a signed certificate issued by the local government of the Somme region stating he was a veteran of the Battle. Being a runner was a dangerous job. Once again thank you.

@StevenUpton14-18 4 жыл бұрын

@@andersonsroad5161 - I cannot imagine how those runners did it. Under fire, out in the open to take messages and orders. So many did not get through, yet another would take his place.

@sdj9776 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@sdj9776 5 жыл бұрын

Steven Upton You're welcome!

@chrishunt112 5 жыл бұрын

Outstanding. Really enjoy your work.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@stevenvamplew4564 4 жыл бұрын

my relative samuel vamplew served in the royal irish regt and was killed in action, kemmel battles. god bless them all.

@StevenUpton14-18 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@dionegz40 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful! Thank you!

@StevenUpton14-18 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@redtomcat1725 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Steven !!

@StevenUpton14-18 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@ronaldwhite1730 3 жыл бұрын

Thank - you .

@StevenUpton14-18 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@leesherman100 5 жыл бұрын

May God save all of us!

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@ashtonadair7013 5 жыл бұрын

Interesting history vid. I always learn something new from you.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@geordie1032 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent photography, Steve. Thank you.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@trevortrevortsr2 5 жыл бұрын

What a wonderful thing to do for a family - we went to Mount Kemmel on our Christmas Truce week it has this French Art Deco monument of eyes closed angel - it is one of the most beautiful memorials I have ever seen carved into an obelisk

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. I have not been on top of Mt. Kemmel. Must do that sometime.

@trevortrevortsr2 5 жыл бұрын

@@StevenUpton14-18 I watched 4 years of The Great War waiting for them to explain what must have been one of the last big battles of WW1 there - well worth a visit - watch them cobbles on your bike

@billweldon2434 3 жыл бұрын

I can’t tell you how many time I’ve watched this video I feel like I’ve been here before and I know this young man this is very moving and i can’t help to think about private Kelly in the last moments of his life ☘️☘️☘️☘️

@StevenUpton14-18 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@gordonmckenzie926 4 жыл бұрын

Another fabulous video, thanks so much.

@StevenUpton14-18 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@olivercromwell7937 4 жыл бұрын

That was lovely

@StevenUpton14-18 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. it was a pleasure creating this for the family of the soldier.

@chrisderochwr4670 5 жыл бұрын

Your videos are poignant. I often try to imagine what the scenery looked like 100 years ago. Everything is so green and peaceful now. This cemetery , the trenches, and the craters seem so out of place. The world was truly a mad place during those terrible years. Lest we forget.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. 100 years ago these areas were a brown crater-field, completely featureless for as far as you can see. It's amazing how the land has recovered.

@diddyreason 4 жыл бұрын

Very moving and informative. Many thanks for sharing.

@StevenUpton14-18 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@PaYnMzZ 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Seven, love your videos, they are very informative and you deserve many more views. I visited the Hill 60 memorial park as well as Tyne Cot cemetery near Ypres recently on my way back from Bruges. Both are very poignant and amazing places to visit. I was wandering if it would be possible for you to do a video on them if you have the chance? I know you touched on hill 60 in one of your Messines videos but for you to go to the park and share some of your knowledge that would be awesome to see.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. I did film at Tyne Cot but it was very early in the morning and with a low angle of sun light. I did not like the quality of the footage, so did not publish it. I want to film the Menin road, Hooge, Sanctuary wood areas next chance I get; which will probably be March.

@backchat8086 5 жыл бұрын

Ty 👍

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@VIJER47 5 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@stevenvamplew4564 4 жыл бұрын

hi steve i love your videos. have you made one of irish house cemetary in heuvelland. i have a relative from 6th battalion royal irish regt buried there 1917. keep up the good work.thankyou

@StevenUpton14-18 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. Just looked to see where Irish House cemetery is and I am familiar with the area. I have driven past it, but not visited. I was due to be in the area next month, but I have had to cancel the trip. Email me with the name of your relative when all this Covid 19 problem is over and I we can travel again and I will go there. steven@s-upton.com

@stevenvamplew4564 4 жыл бұрын

@@StevenUpton14-18 hi steve ,yes this virus has us heads down lol. my relatives name is samuel vamplew .royal irish regt. killed 7.june. 1917. hes buried at irish house cemetary. plot B23.many thanks steve.i am in merchant navy and years are flying by its hard to get time to visit but im always trying to find videos of this place .

@junedavies1452 9 ай бұрын

Hi Steven, my Grandfather is also buried at Pond Farm, was the same Regiment and Battalion as this young man and died on 18th December 2016. I have often wondered which battle he would have died in and wonder if you would know? We were always told it was Ypres, but the dates of the Ypres battles don't seem to match with the date he died. Many thanks.

@StevenUpton14-18 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching. Sorry I do not know the answer to your questions.

@jantschierschky3461 5 жыл бұрын

I appreciate your videos, thanks

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@jantschierschky3461 5 жыл бұрын

@@StevenUpton14-18 I do appreciate you did not only film British related battlefields. If you go take more footage, maybe go to those in the alsace mountains. I wished when I visit those I had a drone with me.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

I have already filmed Le Ligne and Hartmanwillerskopf. I would like to get back to the Hartmanwillerskopf to get some better film of it. But it’s a hell of a walk to the top. Nearly had a heart attack last time!

@jantschierschky3461 5 жыл бұрын

@@StevenUpton14-18 so you done those, ok. Next time drive, there is a road 😎 I check videos. Linge be interesting from the air so, is more compact and not much foliage. Around Belfort very interesting WW2 and franco prussian war.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

@@jantschierschky3461 - Look at: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a7OafJOhx7bHnac.html and: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ab2Ki9Gn1KedeZ8.html

@dustybinns1351 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Steve, thanks for your superb vids, i also have been going over to France and Begium for many yrs on my Norton, i also take friends over and give tours with the limited knowlage i have, i have been asked one question on several occasions by different friends that i struggle to answer, i hope you could enlighten me. Many cemitriys have gaps in the rows of headstones, in the Norfolk cemitary i thing there are two soldiers who are muslim buried east to west...i understand that but why the gaps and why the odd free standing headstone here and there in many cemitriys?? Is it keeping soldiers in regiments, exhumation to after 1920s or newly found soldiers?? Hope you can be of help, Dusty, Norfolk.

@StevenUpton14-18 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. I wrote to the CWGC to ask the same question. Here is their reply: With regard to your query, there are many variations in the layout of Commission headstones in our cemeteries. Some headstones commemorate more than one individual for example. These are either joint graves, where two individuals share a single grave, or a collective grave, where three or more share a single grave. The bodies in these graves are either buried too close together for individual headstones to mark their graves, or because they are buried one above the other, or because the remains were impossible to be identified individually. In many of our sites, you will see incongruous gaps in rows of headstones. It is often the case that graves were there originally, but were later removed - because they were perhaps French, Belgian or American servicemen, or civilians. For example in Tyne Cot Cemetery in Plot III Row A there is a gap in the row where grave 16 should be. This is because a Belgian soldier who was buried there was removed in 1938. The most common origin of joint and collective graves however were trench graves. This is where a single long grave, resembling a trench, was dug, and bodies were laid side by side, sometimes even on their side, to maximise availlable space. In these cases, headstones will usually be touching or very close together. In some sites, people were buried individually but very close together due to space restrictions. When permanent headstones were erected there wasn't sufficient space to accommodate individual headstones. In these cases, headstones may touch or joint headstones be use, i.e. two names on one stone.

@dustybinns1351 3 жыл бұрын

Steve, thanks so much for that info...i had no idea but yes it makes sence, i will pass this on to the guys that asked, many thanks, keep the shiney side up and ride safe. Dusty, Norfolk.

@SteveMikre44 5 жыл бұрын

Well Done...

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@rafalsamek1486 5 жыл бұрын

Great work

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching.

@Coyotethumper5 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Steve I was wondering how I would go about finding where my grandfather’s unit in ww1 fought using his company number? He was in the American Army. Plus my grandfather bought a book back around that time 1918 1919 it’s a huge book it’s an inch thick by 10-12 inches wide and about 20 inches tall I like to send a picture to you to see if you have ever seen one like it. Thanks Brian.

@StevenUpton14-18 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. I am fairly certain I have not seen a book like the one you describe. To trace your GF's units locations you need to know what he was in. I am not too familiar with US Army designations. But suspect that if you knew his regiment it would help. I believe you have a veterans administration, that might be a starting place. Or do searches on Google for veterans blogs and ask them. You will need as much information about him as you can get: Division, Regiment, was he infantry of another branch etc. Army or Marine? Its well worth studying. I have even reprinted my GF's battalion's war record.

@sweettooth9371 4 жыл бұрын

Love your videos. Is there a way of finding where portuguese soldiers are buried? They were included in British ranks so there must be cemeteries in Belgium or the Somme with some fallen portuguese. Would like to know. Thanks

@StevenUpton14-18 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. There are Portuguese cemeteries at Neuve-Chapelle and Richebourg in France.

@gerbrand8132 Жыл бұрын

May he rest in peace.lest we forget

@StevenUpton14-18 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. We will remember them.

@billweldon2434 3 жыл бұрын

May I ask what music this is

@StevenUpton14-18 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. I cannot remember the name of the music but it came from KZfaqs own downloadable collection.

@dervolkstribun6240 3 жыл бұрын

we both, as veterans, know: Never again!!! I would never shoot at my british comrades, bette be courtmarshalled. Never ever again!

@StevenUpton14-18 3 жыл бұрын

I have to confess that whilst serving my attitude was very different. If my Sergeant had said shoot I am fairly certain I would have done so. But with age we get wiser!

@dervolkstribun6240 3 жыл бұрын

@@StevenUpton14-18 and now we can say: we know better and act accordingly. Honour our dead antcestors, in becoming friends. Because they were never enemies, as the "christmas truce" shows. They were misguided, as so many human beeings throughout the history of mankind.