The Forgotten Army

To visit as many fishing spots as possible; Tom was into "Fishing" it didn't matter if it was Fly, Course, Sea or even Shark so there are no restrictions. Pictures would be good.

Hopefully this coin will bump into a few friends along the way. If you knew Tom, or maybe one of your relatives did, through fishing or the Yorks and Lancs regiment we would love to hear from you.

This coin has been put into circulation in memory of our Grandad (Great Grandad) Tom Henry Hargreaves.  Tom was born in 1920 in Bingley, West Yorkshire. He lived most of his life in Riddlesden, Nr Keighley West Yorkshire and died in April 2002 age 82. During the 2nd World War he served in The York and Lancaster Regiment (1940 to 1946). He was initially posted in Ireland as part of the 9th Batallion, in 1942 he returned home on special leave to marry our Grandma Marjorie Hardaker before setting off to Burma to join the 25th Indian Infantry Division where he remained until 1946. (The Forgotten Army).

The image shows his regiment badge and a compass he brought back from the war, source unknown but from the font on the face it's obviously not british issue.

Happily / Luckily he survived the campaign but like many he never really spoke about it. During the war Toms wife Marjorie moved to London to serve with the Queen Alexandra's nursing those affected by the blitz.  After the war they both returned to Bingley. Tom's free time was either spent in the garden or fishing whilst Marjorie looked on with her knitting. Family holidays would more often than not be determined by the latter and they usually involve a visit to southern Scotland in chase of Salmon and Sea Trout on the River Annan around Lockerbie. 

Tom's wife Marjorie died in 2008 age 86 and her ashes were scattered alongside Tom's at Swinsty Reservoir Nr Otley where he spent quite a bit of time chasing the Trout. (Hence the location for the first drop of this coin)

We chose this fantastic coin to commemerate not only Tom but all those who have served, fought or are still fighting on our behalf, for our country and for our freedom.