World War I hero remembered at Figheldean

On Sunday June 19th, a special commemorative service was held at the Commonwealth Grave site in Figheldean Churchyard, to honour one of the soldiers killed in World War 1 in October 1917.

The soldier commemorated was Second Lieutenant Edgar Latham, a native of South Africa, who volunteered for the R.F.C. after initially becoming a stretcher bearer and the family have only recently found out he was buried in Figheldean.

He received the Military Medal during his short service but was ironically killed in a plane crash whilst training at Netheravon.

Around half the 25 visitors had flown in from Zimbabwe and his great nephew, Jimmy Latham, made a heartfelt testimonial before laying the wreath.

The Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Wiltshire ,the official Wiltshire British Legion standard bearer and some of the Legion's hierarchy attended and a bugler played the Last Post and Reveille.

The photo below shows Chrysogon Bamber, who conducted the service, along with Jimmy and the Lord Lieutenant for Wiltshire during the service. The flower on top of the wreath was imported especially and is native to South Africa.

A fly past completed the ceremony.

If you would like to learn more of this brave man, then a booklet is available for browsing in Figheldean church- a fascinating day.'

Tevor Woodbridge, Churchwarden