The WW1 Centenary Poppy Tile Project

Thanks to the Empire Called and I Answered blog for drawing attention to this project that might interest you.

The WW1 Centenary Poppy Tile Project is an initiative of the The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT), in conjunction with the Returned Services League of Australia (RSL Victorian Branch).

In their press release they say that more than 112,000 Victorians enlisted in WW1 and those who died from causes associated with battle are commemorated by the War Graves Commission.

They say:

Those who returned and then lived out their lives in the community, and are buried in our cemeteries, are not recognised unless their family has recorded this fact in their inscription.  Many graves have been forgotten by families over the years and have become neglected. Younger family members may be unaware that their ancestors served at all unless their family memories and history are strong. 

The aim of this project is to encourage families to ‘renew their links to their family members who enlisted in the Great War and to urge them to place a permanent record of their service on their gravesite.’

The GMCT will produce a packed kit including two small glazed white porcelain tiles featuring a red Flanders Poppy. The tiles can be fixed to headstone or cremation niches.

Costings are still being finalised, but the tile kits are expected to retail at around $10.  Any profits will be donated to charity.

You can read more about the project here.