2019 – a dignified grave at last
The Port Isaac Heritage website describes the 2010 reburial ceremony as follows:
The inaugural reburial and ceremony took place at 11am on 30th January 2010, attended by representatives from Australia, France, the UK and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The former Chief of Defence of the French Army, General Bruno Cuche, paid tribute to the sacrifice made by the young soldiers, concluding with these fine words –
When we give these soldiers a dignified grave, we accomplish here one of the oldest gestures of mankind. It is a gesture of devotion. It is the gesture accomplished by every son for his father and by every nation for their heroes. Let them rest in peace in this land for which they shed their blood, and which owes them everything, including freedom!
In 2019, Private George Honey was one of seven soldiers identified in that year and given his dignified grave at last. At Pheasant Wood cemetery, he now ‘sleeps beside his comrades’ with a gravestone honouring his life and sacrifice. The inscription reads: 1291 Private G. Honey. 32nd Bn Australian Inf. 19th July 1916 Age 30. He sleeps beside his comrades.
With thanks
Thanks are owed to many for George’s identification.
Firstly, to the Fromelles Association for tracking down his Cornish cousins.
Secondly, to numerous Cornish enthusiasts – some Honey-related and some not - who threw themselves into the task of identifying likely donors. This included personal visits to family members, including to the oldest living Honey in the area, Joan Murray (nee Honey), who so generously shared her documents and pictures.
We thank each and every one of them.