City as war memorial

Episode 3: “City as war memorial”

Harry Spencer was just a young boy when his older brother Dick died serving in the First World War. An identical twin, Private Richard “Charles” Spencer, No. 5218, 14th Battalion, was killed on the Western Front in 1918, a few days shy of his 19th birthday. No doubt Richard’s enlistment – and his twin brother Hugh’s – played a big role in Harry’s decision to join up in 1939.

Hungry for even more knowledge about her family’s military past, in Episode 03 Megan travels to Belgium to find out how, when, and why Richard died. It is the first time any Spencer has visited his grave. Alongside thousands of other “remembrance pilgrims”, Megan discovers an entire town built as a war memorial – and the incredible details of her great-uncle’s story.

In the muddy paddocks of Ypres and under the solemn Menin Gate, Megan shares common ground with total strangers, founded in history, empathy, and remembrance.