Veterans Honour Fallen Service Personnel at Ocklynge Cemetery

What began as a small project by a dedicated group of local veterans soon became a remarkable act of remembrance and respect at Ocklynge Cemetery in Eastbourne.

The original aim was simply to tidy the graves of Anzac veterans buried at the cemetery. Although the headstones are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the surrounding graves themselves are not cared for as Ocklynge is not officially a War Graves Cemetery.

When the need for support was identified, local Royal Signals Secretary Matt Ticehurst brought together fellow veterans Dickie Bonner of the Royal Signals, Val Thomas of the Royal Navy, and Paul Leach of the Parachute Regiment to help with the project.

Working together, the team not only restored and tidied the Anzac graves but also carried out work on Commonwealth graves, including many belonging to Canadian service personnel.

Once the work was completed, a small wooden cross – kindly donated by the Eastbourne Branch of the Royal British Legion – was placed on each grave as a mark of remembrance and respect.

In total, the team worked on an incredible 178 graves, carrying out work that all involved can be immensely proud of.

Their efforts serve as a powerful reminder that although these veterans may be gone, they are never forgotten.