Lives of the First World War

Notes handed down to me by my father, Gilbert Torry, who was Cecil Yaxley's cousin.

In uniform before embarking for France

This is Cecil's informal will, which he, like all soldiers, was obliged to make before going into action

This is Cecil Yaxley's grave at the Bac du Sud British cemetery, Bailleulval France, visited by his second cousins, Nick and Tim Torry during April 2017.

This photo was probably taken in 1916-1917. Standing at the back (L/R) are Cecil's sister, Helena Mary ("May") Yaxley, Cecil Yaxley himself, still a civilian, and Lily Williams, Charlie Yaxley's fiancée. Seated (L/R) are Cecil's father, Charles Yaxley, Cecil's brother 2nd Lieutenant Charlie Yaxley and Cecil's mother, Helena Maud ("Nellie") Yaxley. The grim expressions on their faces are probably a reflection of the fact that Charlie is about to return to France.