Student Tour Blog

Written by Isabelle Fletcher

On May 26th, I got to visit Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension to see the grave of my great-great-uncle William Fletcher. Bill was my grandfather’s uncle, but they never met as Bill died at 19 in 1917. No one in my line of the family had ever visited his grave, but all of us have wanted the opportunity to. Aubigny is a beautiful Commonwealth cemetery attached to the back of a local French cemetery. I brought a write up of his story to read out at his gravesite. I also brought a photo of him in uniform and a few family photos to leave at his grave. I took a moment to myself before presenting tto take in the feeling of getting to meet my great-great-uncle, and of course I had to get lots of pictures for my family! I was so happy to be able to tell his story to our group. Professor Pearson helped me get a rubbing of his grave that I plan to hang in our home in New Brunswick. Before I left, I placed the photo of Bill in uniform in front of his grave with a Canadian flag. Now, those who visit the Aubigny cemetery will be able to put a face to the name of William M. Fletcher. My family is very happy that I got the change to see Bill, especially my 88 year old grandfather, Glen, who is Bill’s nephew. That afternoon is an experience I won’t soon forget.