Published: May 2, 2012
Burnham-On-Sea MP backs appeal to rebuild graves of war dead

Burnham-On-Sea MP Tessa Munt has backed an appeal to rebuild the graves of First World World servicemen in Wedmore.

Tessa has this week met Tim Moreman, Manager of the Wedmore War Graves Appeal, which is seeking to raise £2,250 to rebuild the graves in St Mary's Churchyard.

Four servicemen who died during the Great War are buried there.

The graves which need rebuilding are those of Second Lieutenant Victor Charles Edelston Bracey, who was killed in an air crash in Hampshire in 1917, and Private William Cottrell of the 44th Canadian Infantry Expeditionary Force, who died of his wounds in 1919.

The Wedmore War Graves Appeal has received a fantastic response to its call for funds. So far, the appeal has raised more than £1,300, so is well on the way to raising the £2,250 required to complete the renovation of the graves.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is not able to assist with repairing the graves because they are private memorials, paid for and erected by the families of the dead servicemen.

Tessa told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Sometimes it is difficult for us to appreciate that the majority of a whole generation of young people lost their lives serving this country - the majority of whom were ordinary people who demonstrated an extraordinary level of sacrifice."

"I support any endeavour which recognises the bravery of that generation and am giving my backing to this appeal in the hope the money can soon be raised so the families of these men can renovate their memorials fully."