South Oxford Poppy Trail to honour Second World War dead

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 21:20 · Archive

Volunteers in South Oxford are creating a Poppy Trail through November to remember 42 local men who died in the Second World War.

Volunteers in South Oxford have spent months researching the lives and deaths of 42 men from the Grandpont, New Hinksey and Cold Arbour areas who died while serving in the Second World War. They are now creating a Poppy Trail running from 1 to 30 November to ensure these war heroes are remembered.

The trail will feature posters placed outside the former homes of each man, giving information about his background, life in Oxford and death at war. Residents can walk the entire route or stop to read individual posters as they pass. Flyers with a map and list of addresses are being distributed around South Oxford.

Volunteer Molly Wilson said the men are remembered on war memorials in the churches of St Matthew's, St John's and St Luke's, and across the wider city. One example is Kenneth Cole, who grew up on Marlborough Road and worked as a postman. He served with the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, took part in the Dunkirk evacuation, was captured and died aged 24 in a Polish prisoner of war camp.

How it is being reported

• Poppy trail is created to remember South Oxford war heroesFAMILIES in South Oxford are determined that memories of their war heroes will not be forgottenOxford Mail · 31 Oct, 20:00
• Poppy trail is created to remember South Oxford war heroesFAMILIES in South Oxford are determined that memories of their war heroes will not be forgottenOxfordshire Guardian · 31 Oct, 20:00

In this story: South Oxford · Molly Wilson · Kenneth Cole · Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry · St Matthew's · St John's · St Luke's

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