This was sent to us off list and we thought it may interest some of you Chris and Caroline ----- Original Message ----- From: "robins bernard" <robins.at.trans@wanadoo.fr> To: "Bernard Robins" <robins.at.trans@wanadoo.fr> Sent: Monday, February 24, 2003 8:02 AM Subject: {not a subscriber} History but slightly off topic. We are trying to put together a list of events for the June Gathering in France so we can circulate it to all interested parties on my list. ANY information you have on Services, visits to memorials etc., together with dates and times would be appreciated. We would like to hear from anyone who is connected to the Parachute Regiment and we are particularly interested in making contact with Para veterans or their families. We now have a list of all Para killed 1942-1947 and have started adding information on them whenever we find it. Anyone having photos of the men PLEASE e-mail us have a copy. This is a private project to respect and honour those brave men, please help. EXTRA EVENT FOR JUNE. On 4th June 2003 at the small village of Vatteville La Rue, Seine Maritime, France two men of the 8th Battalion of The Parachute Regiment, killed in August 1944, will be remembered and honoured by their families, friends and old comrades. Charles Rutherford McIlhargey, from Renfrew, and his comrade Robert Box, from Carlisle, both of 8th Para, lie together in this quiet and peaceful village churchyard, next to another Commonwealth War Grave, that of Trevor Morgan of the South Wales Borderers. Charles and Robert were wounded in late August 1944 during heavy fighting in the nearby village of Beuzeville. They were left by their comrades in a small field just outside the village while fighting continued. When their comrades returned for them they had disappeared, for many years it was thought they had been picked up by the Germans and shot. A few years ago it was discovered from local villagers, the two men had been picked up by a German patrol, their wounds treated before being loaded onto transport and moved out. It was during this journey the German convoy was spotted by an RAF plane and attacked subsequently killing the two men. Bern and Fay Robins, who are related to Charles McIlhargey, have been piecing together the story and tracing the surviving families. With the help of Yves La Cuziat from The Friends of 8th, situated in France, they have organised the event which will be attended by Charlie's daughter from Canada and his only surviving brother who will both be visiting the grave for the first time. It is also hoped that Robert's surviving brothers will also attend, as will many veterans from The Parachute Regiment. Bern and Fay have made up a commemoration (attached) to the two men, had it blown up and framed and will present it to the Mayor of the village at the ceremony. They are always pleased to hear from Para Veterans or their families and can be contacted by phone or Fax on 0033 - 299 485 629 or by e-mail on robins.at.trans@wanadoo.fr Photographs of the War Graves of the Parachute Regiment who are buried in France are available FREE on the Internet at www.genuki.org.uk/big/paras/ Best Wishes Bernard and Fay ROBINS 4 Rue Du Mont St. Michel Trans La Forét FRANCE Telephone and Fax: 0033 (0)2.99.48.56.29 --- All of our Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. And attachments are also scanned before being added. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.456 / Virus Database: 256 - Release Date: 18/02/2003