In July of 2018 I found what I thought was a shopping trolley token in the Thames mud, wedged behind a rock. When I got it home and cleaned it up, it turned out to be the tag from a pet dog called Bonzo Tabner, from 21 Pelton Road in Greenwich SE10. I set about searching for Bonzo's story and discovered that there had been a Tabner family living in Pelton Road during the early 1930s. Remarkably I was able to trace the relatives of Bonzo's owner. She recalled to them how Bonzo had been her pet dog during WW2 and that she had been so thrilled to be reunited with him when she returned to Greenwich after being evacuated during the war.
During my research I came across a book (Bonzo's War) written by Clare and Christy Campbell detailing the fate of over 2.5 million pets during WW2 who were euthanised due to government advice.
I created a video (which you can find at the bottom of this page) about finding Bonzo's name tag, and my discovery of the tale of the WW2 pets, and after watching it, several viewers expressed their desire to money for a memorial dedicated to these pets. Consequently, a justgiving campign was set up and almost 3000 gbp was raised. I would like say a HUGE thank you to everyone who contributed to this memorial. We are SO grateful. Although there is a memorial to the animals who died in conflict, there has been nothing to commemorate the animals who were euthanised.
Now, one year later, a specially commissioned ceramic plaque created by renowned Cornish potter, Adrian Brough - in memory of the over 2.5 million domestic pets - will be unveiled at the Old Blue Cross Cemetery at 2pm on Saturday 10th August - by Clare and Christy Campbell.
You are of course all invited and the details are here (and if you would like more details please email me at [email protected]):-
During my research I came across a book (Bonzo's War) written by Clare and Christy Campbell detailing the fate of over 2.5 million pets during WW2 who were euthanised due to government advice.
I created a video (which you can find at the bottom of this page) about finding Bonzo's name tag, and my discovery of the tale of the WW2 pets, and after watching it, several viewers expressed their desire to money for a memorial dedicated to these pets. Consequently, a justgiving campign was set up and almost 3000 gbp was raised. I would like say a HUGE thank you to everyone who contributed to this memorial. We are SO grateful. Although there is a memorial to the animals who died in conflict, there has been nothing to commemorate the animals who were euthanised.
Now, one year later, a specially commissioned ceramic plaque created by renowned Cornish potter, Adrian Brough - in memory of the over 2.5 million domestic pets - will be unveiled at the Old Blue Cross Cemetery at 2pm on Saturday 10th August - by Clare and Christy Campbell.
You are of course all invited and the details are here (and if you would like more details please email me at [email protected]):-
Memorial event at the Old Blue Cross Pet Cemetery
Shooters Hill Road London SE18 4LX
(opposite The Fox Under the Hill SE18 4LT)
www.oldbluecrosspetcemetery.org.uk
Saturday 10th August at 2pm
At 2pm on the above date three new memorials will be unveiled at the old Blue Cross Pet Cemetery
A plaque in tribute to all animals that have lost their lives in conflict in the service of their country
A plaque in memory of the 2,500,000 Domestic Animals euthanised during WW11 on government orders
A plaque depicting the collar tag of a dog named Bonzo, found on Greenwich beach by a local Mudlark
We Look forward to welcoming you to the Pet Cemetery where there are over two hundred little
Memorial stones some dating back over one hundred years
Visiting the Pet Cemetery
There is no parking on site, please park in Farjeon Road SE3 8SA or Charlton Park Lane SE7 8QS
Train from Charing Cross, Cannon Street, and Victoria to Blackheath
Bus 89 from Blackheath Station to Hornfair Park Lido
Look for the blue road sign opposite The Fox Under the Hill and take the path running alongside
the flats and wall which will bring you to the Pet Cemetery
The Committee of the Friends of the Pet Cemetery, FOPC, hope you will be able to join us for this event
Shooters Hill Road London SE18 4LX
(opposite The Fox Under the Hill SE18 4LT)
www.oldbluecrosspetcemetery.org.uk
Saturday 10th August at 2pm
At 2pm on the above date three new memorials will be unveiled at the old Blue Cross Pet Cemetery
A plaque in tribute to all animals that have lost their lives in conflict in the service of their country
A plaque in memory of the 2,500,000 Domestic Animals euthanised during WW11 on government orders
A plaque depicting the collar tag of a dog named Bonzo, found on Greenwich beach by a local Mudlark
We Look forward to welcoming you to the Pet Cemetery where there are over two hundred little
Memorial stones some dating back over one hundred years
Visiting the Pet Cemetery
There is no parking on site, please park in Farjeon Road SE3 8SA or Charlton Park Lane SE7 8QS
Train from Charing Cross, Cannon Street, and Victoria to Blackheath
Bus 89 from Blackheath Station to Hornfair Park Lido
Look for the blue road sign opposite The Fox Under the Hill and take the path running alongside
the flats and wall which will bring you to the Pet Cemetery
The Committee of the Friends of the Pet Cemetery, FOPC, hope you will be able to join us for this event
for more details please contact me at [email protected]