The Burma Star Association at Preston War Memorial

Mrs Peggy Toman lays the Burma Star wreath at Preston War Memorial

Photograph: courtesy of Mr John Toman (son)

Michael Toman, former Preston North End and Bristol City professional footballer, lost his life in Burma during WW2. The Burma Star Association asked Peggy Toman to lay their wreath at the Preston War Memorial in August 1968 during a dedication service for the Burma Star Association Standard.

Michael Toman, PNE and Bristol City Footballer

WW2 Photograph of Michael Toman

(Died of typhus in Burma)

Photo: Courtesy of his son, Mr. John Toman of Preston

Before WW2 Michael Toman had been a professional footballer for Preston North End and Bristol City FC. Michael lost his life out in Burma.

Cemetery photographs on CWGC certificates

While searching for casualties on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website I have noticed many of the cemeteries, particularly those in the UK where perhaps only small numbers of casualties are buried, now have an actual cemetery photograph posted to the casualty's certificate. Previously, there was only a photograph of a commemorative stone reading 'Their Name Liveth Evermore' and a poppy wreath.

I had realised for some time the CWGC has been involved in trying to get an actual photgraph of each headstone or memorial. Obviously this is a big project and will take some time. This is a highly commendable project, and thanks to the Commission for all their efforts on behalf of the casualties and their families.

Letters from the frontline: The mystery of missing Leeds soldier

Here's an interesting story from the Yorkshire Evening Post concerning some lost letters found in Italy. The letters, written by Laurie Armitage, a teenage soldier from Leeds, who passed through the Italian town of Rocca San Giovanni on the Adriatic Coast in 1943.

Preston North End Football Club in WW2

Preston North End Football Club Badge

Deepdale, home of Preston North End AFC

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WW2 National Registration ID Card

Copy of a WW2 National Registration ID Card (Front and Back)

This card belonged to my kinswoman Margaret Cowan

These ID cards were issued in Britain during the Second World War. They had to be produced upon request by a police constable or member of the Armed Forces. Unlike many other countries at the time there was no personal photograph attached.