Thomas Mercer tree

Note from Erica Gregory, grand-daughter of Andrew and Edith: Granddad had been recalled to fight in Europe and, as soon as they could arrange it, Granny and the girls (Janet and Emily) came over to London in early 1915. As the ship was late in arriving, they missed Granddad’s special leave and he had to go straight back to the front despite missing them. When he was wounded, Granny went over to tend him and was with him to the end. She never recovered from his loss and was quite eccentric thereafter – very loveable though. During the time she spent nursing him, Janet and my mother had to stay in the house of a kindly Police Sergeant in Dover. As she was not allowed to take them over to France, he and his wife offered them accommodation out of the blue. Mum says Granny was eternally grateful but she feels the Policeman and his wife were a trifle relieved when the girls were collected on Granny’s return as they had been brought up in a very free and easy way in the mountains of India and were a trifle adventurous – specially with roof climbing. She would just smile and say no more about it. Granddad was always spoken of with great love and both the girls had adored him, as had Granny. I can feel that love when I think of him now, it was such a strong influence in my childhood.

Note from Erica Gregory, grand-daughter of Andrew and Edith: Granddad had been recalled to fight in Europe and, as soon as they could arrange it, Granny and the girls (Janet and Emily) came over to London in early 1915. As the ship was late in arriving, they missed Granddad’s special leave and he had to go straight back to the front despite missing them. When he was wounded, Granny went over to tend him and was with him to the end. She never recovered from his loss and was quite eccentric thereafter – very loveable though. During the time she spent nursing him, Janet and my mother had to stay in the house of a kindly Police Sergeant in Dover. As she was not allowed to take them over to France, he and his wife offered them accommodation out of the blue. Mum says Granny was eternally grateful but she feels the Policeman and his wife were a trifle relieved when the girls were collected on Granny’s return as they had been brought up in a very free and easy way in the mountains of India and were a trifle adventurous – specially with roof climbing. She would just smile and say no more about it. Granddad was always spoken of with great love and both the girls had adored him, as had Granny. I can feel that love when I think of him now, it was such a strong influence in my childhood.