Relatives Attend Unveiling for Soldiers Previously Omitted from War Memorial

Relatives of a World War One soldier, whose memory was nearly lost, have been identified. John Pearson and James Watkins, both former students of King Edward VI College in Stourbridge, were previously absent from the college’s memorial roster honoring former students and staff who perished in the world wars. Archivist Kenneth Wright identified their omission, prompting an appeal to locate surviving family members prior to the unveiling of a dedicated plaque. Following the publication of a BBC article, two descendants of Mr. Pearson were present at the unveiling ceremony. Dr. Chris Oxley and his wife Ursula, residents of Nottinghamshire, participated in the college’s special event, accompanied by Stourbridge-based Mr. Wright. Principal Holly Bembridge characterized the occasion as an appropriate homage to the two young men and other individuals who sacrificed their lives. She further stated that the attendance of Mr. Pearson’s family members enhanced the significance of the event. “Although Chris is the descendant, it was his wife Ursula who got in touch as she is a keen family historian,” Ms Bembridge stated. “She was alerted by somebody on Ancestry.com who had heard the BBC broadcast.” Prior to World War One, Mr. Pearson’s family relocated to Tasmania, Australia, though a segment of the family remained in the UK, choosing to reside in the Midlands. Speaking on BBC Radio WM in advance of the event, Ms Bembridge commented: “Remembrance Day is about remembering, thinking back to those times. “We are so keen to just remember those young men. “It will be extra special today. We’ll have quite a few more people in that hall to have that service and see our plaque unveiled.” Concurrently, a minute’s silence was observed in Dudley to commemorate Armistice Day. Veterans, representatives from the local council, and members of the public were present at an event held at the Clock Tower Memorial on Priory Street.