For a few years now I have been interested in finding out about my Greatgrandfather who was killed in action in 1919 along with 8 other members of the crew of Dragon while they were serving in the Baltic.
Due to the wonders of the Internet I was able to do alot of reseach online while the kids were sleeping and 3 years ago I travelled to Latvia for a few days where I attended Remembrance day events in memory of those young men and boys who died doing their "duty".
I found these events so moving and thought that it was such a shame that in many ways we forget these members of our family. Time passes and memories fade . So I thought I would try to find out as much as possible about the events and try to make contact with the families of the crew to inform them of these very special Memorials.
Due to the cost of getting a website done professionally I looked into doing one myself.The result at www.hmsdragon1919.co.uk isn't perfect but I hope it reaches some of the families involved.
I will in the next day or so post some details of the 9 killed in action and 4 wounded. I will also post a couple of photographs that I took in Riga.
Riga is great for a City break and I hope to return again to see some more of Latvia. I have some tips for anyone thinking of going for the first time ...things I wished I'd known eg always have change for the taxi drivers!! don't eat in touristy places ..it's as expensive as London for a meal!! really..and wear sensible shoes as the old streets are cobbled.
We also found a lovely Guide called Ludwig who took us out for the day sight-seeing with his daughter driving us from place to place in her VW Golf.It was a great day out....We saw Siguilda and Cesis and even managed a few shops in Riga which was a bonus. Great fun and very different .I'd recommend them both.I'll post their details later.
