News-Info-Alerts

Re: WW I Era POW-MIA Honored in Iraq

From: POW-MIA InterNetwork

Date: October 22, 2003

"FAMILY TRIBUTE AT IRAQ GRAVE

An Exeter soldier has honoured his great grandfather's war grave in an emotionally charged ceremony in Iraq.

Sergeant Stephen Flavin, who is on active service with 19 Mechanised Brigade, paid the special tribute 87 years after the death of Private John Perham.
In the simple but moving ceremony, Sgt Flavin stood to attention and saluted his ancestor's final-resting place. His fallen forebear is buried at the An Nasiriya War Memorial in Basra, southern Iraq.

Sgt Flavin said: "I had always dreamed of being able to pay our family's respects to my great grandfather, but never imagined it would come true like this.

"I have to admit that it was a very moving moment which will remain very dear to me for the rest of my life."

An army spokesman explained that Pte Perham served with the Second and Fourth Devonshire Regiment after having volunteered for National Service.

"The First World War was starting, and his regiment went to India in December 1914 to replace regular forces stationed there.

"After several months in India, a second front opened in Mesopotamia - now called Iraq. Pte Perham landed with the Devonshires at Basra docks in August 1915 and was sent to reinforce the Royal Kent Regiment holding a fort at An Nasiriya, 150km west of Basra.

"He was reported missing and is recorded as having died in a prisoner of war camp in May 1916.

"Pte Perham, his friends and fellow servicemen are commemorated at the Basra War Memorial, and at the memorial in Axminster."

The army spokesman added that there were other Perhams from Axminster who had served with the Devonshires.

Sgt Flavin said he was moved by the story of his relative's death.

He said: "It is quite unreal that this war memorial still stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fell here during the First World War.
"It is an honour and privilege to be able to pay my respects in a way that my great grandfather would have appreciated.

"It makes me feel extremely humble."

Sgt Flavin added that he hoped to remember his forebear and his fellow servicemen officially. We are hoping to hold a service of remembrance for all those who fell in Mesopotamia during the Great War, and hear the Last Post by the regimental buglers, to mark their efforts for their country," he said."