November is a time for remembrance. We humbly remember and honour all those people and animals who perished in the two world wars and other conflicts. This post shows a picture of the interior of St Andrew’s decorated to pay homage to those who have fallen on the foreign battlefields and those nearer home.

Whilst decorating the Altar, I heard a most moving true story from one of our congregation.
A story of a bond between two devoted friends, a man and a horse, and how one made the ultimate sacrifice to save the other. I will relate the story.

Grandfather fought in World War One, I think he was a lancer as he always stated that he fought with lance, sword and pistol. The historians often write how this 20th century war was fought with 19th century tactics. The cavalry were instructed, and expected, to charge the enemy leading to enormous casualties amongst riders and horses. Eventually, a decision was taken to disband the cavalry and the soldiers were sent into the trenches.

My grandfather was a good rider and both he and his horse called Bess were kept together. They had been together since the beginning of the war and possessed an enduring bond of companionship. Both horse and rider were employed to courier orders from one part of the battle field to the other. This meant they were often a sought after target by the enemy, but together they were lucky and they survived.
Then, during the battle of the Somme, Bess heard the missile coming towards them long before Grandfather and she threw him from his saddle into a trench. Although wounded, Grandfathers life was saved but poor Bess was killed instantly. Grandfather never forgot Bess and would tell all his grandchildren from an early age about the heroic Bess.

St Andrew’s Church is open most days, weather dependent. It possess two war memorials and one war grave which commemorate soldiers who fell in Belgium, France and East Africa.

If you are passing South Thoresby then please call and see our Church and the Remembrance day display.