A group of Fruiterers visited the battlefields of the Somme in April, not only for historic interest but as an act of remembrance and gratitude for all those who have fallen in war, or have been severely wounded to protect us. In preparation, our Honorary Archivist, Peter Cooper (a retired wholesaler from Western International), spent many weeks researching the names of Fruiterers who fell in World War I and managed to identify 11 people. I found reading the list very poignant. The young age of those who were killed was evident and there is particular sadness in seeing brothers on the casualty list.

The group was extremely fortunate in securing the services of Colonel John Richardson as a guide, a man with an encyclopaedic memory allied to a perceptive military eye and vivid communication skills. He designed the tour to follow the battles around Arras and then the opening day of the first battle of the Somme. In doing so, we visited the memorials to and cemeteries in which lie all the Fruiterers who fell during these bloody conflicts on the Western Front. At each we laid a wreath in their memory. On reaching the last, the Honorary Chaplain led a service of remembrance in honour of all those who have fallen in war. These religious acts moved us all and truly brought home the sacrifices that had been made.

Our first stop was at Le Touret Memorial, where Corporal Sinclair Munro is commemorated. The wreath was laid by his grandnephews, Past Master Don Cryan and his brother Tom. We then went to the Canadian memorial at Vimy Ridge. It was here that Canadian forces successfully defeated the Germans, who were holding a previously impregnable defensive position. Before the assault, the trench lines were only some 20 metres apart. By attacking from tunnels and with a highly precise artillery barrage, the Canadians pushed the enemy off the ridge, but not without suffering heavy losses. We visited the tunnels that had been dug to supply the front line and for the attack. With John Richardson’s inspired explanation, we were able to see clearly the course of the battle.

Before stopping in Arras for the night, we visited the Arras Memorial to the Missing, where Ian Eiloart laid a wreath for his uncle, Captain Frank Eiloart.

The next day we followed the line of the first day of the battle of the Somme, initially stopping at the Newfoundland Park in Beaumont Hamel. The trenches can still be seen there and a graphic description of the battle explained well why so many Newfoundlanders lost their lives on the first day of the attack. Next, we went to the Thiepval Monument, which commemorates the names of the more than 73,000, soldiers who lost their lives on the Somme and were never found - a chilling number.

We followed the line of the battle further south, seeing the mine crater at la Boiselle and the South African Memorial at Delville Wood. At the Dernancourt cemetery, I laid the wreath in honour of Lieutenant John Eagleton and at Dantzig Alley cemetery, the Renter Warden laid a wreath in honour of 2nd Lieutenant Francis Miller.

Our last stop was at Beaumetz Crossroads cemetery, where lies 2nd Lieutenant Cyril Eiloart. Ian Eiloart, a Fruiterer and nephew, spoke eloquently and with fond family memories about his two uncles who had been killed.

So, among the sadness of the sacrifices made, was it a morose trip? Not at all. Poignant, yes. Moving, yes. But at the same time a joy for all. The bright sunshine over the gently rolling bucolic countryside of the Somme and Ancre valleys was in sharp contrast to the mud and horror of World War I. The calm beauty of the many cemeteries and memorials, perfectly kept by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, makes a fitting commemoration to the heroism of those who fought so bravely. They provide a constant reminder as one travels through the area. It can be shocking to remark that a particular cemetery seems small and then to realise that it contains perhaps 150 graves, but every one have an air of serenity and peacefulness.

On such occasions, one reflects that there must have been other threats when the defence of our national security required the ultimate sacrifice from some of its population.

With the Fruiterers being such an ancient Guild and Company and firmly rooted and connected with the City of London from where historically, monarchs would have looked for recruits, other members of our Livery over the centuries will have given their lives for the realm.