In Memory Of ...

Thomas Atherton
(Royal Engineers)
1930 - 1949

Updated 30th March 2003

Updated 16th Febrary 2006

These photographs are of Thomas Atherton's grave, the 18 year old formerly of Blakelaw Newcastle upon Tyne was a member of the 37th Field Squadron Royal Engineers, he is interred at Happy Valley Hong Kong.

Here is his family's tribute to him, entitled 'For Thomas'

PEACE IS NOT SOMETHING YOU FIGHT FOR
WITH BOMBS AND MISSILES THAT KILL
FOR TO BRING THIS WORLD NEARER TO PEACE
FOR IN SEEKING PEACE FOR ALL PEOPLE
THERE IS ONLY ONE PLACE TO BEGIN
AND THAT IS IN EACH HOME AND HEART.

The family sent this poem with flowers to be placed on his grave:

WE REMEMBER YOU THOMAS
WITH LOVE AND TEARS
TREASURED MEMORIES OF BYGONE YEARS
KEEPSAKES HEARTACHE
TO CHERISH AND HOLD
OF THE ONE WE LOVED
MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD
WE LOVED YOU SO
WE MISS YOU YET
OUR HEARTS STILL ACHE
WE CAN'T FORGET
BUT ONE DAY WE'LL ALL MEET AGAIN
IN THE LORD'S PROMISED LAND
A PLACE WHERE WE'LL FIND
NO MORE SUFFERING NOR TEARS
AND ALL ARE FREE FROM PAIN
FOR THE LORD SAID
"BE NOT AFRAID
FOR I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS
FOR I AM THE LIFE
AND I HOLD THE KEY
THAT OPENS THE DOOR TO ETERNITY."

LOVED AND REMEMBERED ALWAYS
AND NEVER TO FORGET
FROM
ALL THE FAMILY