On this day we remember the fallen of two World Wars and other conflicts around the globe, both past and present. The loss of life among Gronow families has been commemorated previously on these pages. (see side link: Gronow War Dead). So as we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their Country, let us also remember those soldiers, sailors & airmen who return from battle with serious wounds or other illnesses due to the effects & their experiences of war.

In September 1916, King George V authorized the Silver War Badge (SWB) to honor all military personnel who had served at home or overseas since 4 August 1914 and who had been discharged because of wounds or illness. The badge was not simply an honor; it also served a practical purpose. At the time, men of military age who were not obviously in the service were sometimes accosted or insulted by civilians presenting them with white feathers a symbol of cowardice for shirking their patriotic duty. The badge served as an outward symbol that the wearer’s duty to country had been honorably fulfilled.

Gronow recipients of the Silver War Badge:

David Gronow 1890- 1928 / Private / 45018 / South Wales Borderers.
Ernest Gronow 1887- 1954 / Private / 15690 / 3rd Bn. South Wales Borderers.
Ivor Gronow 1896-1941 / Sapper / 1225 / Royal Engineers.
John Ivor Gronow 1884-1933 / Private / 82087 / Royal Defence Corps.
Levi Harries Gronow 1896-1980 / Private / 2600 / The Welsh Regiment.
Percy Alan Gronow 1893-1961 / Gunner / 348649 / Royal Garrison Artillery.
Thomas Gronow 1864- / Pioneer / 337665 / Inland Water Transport Royal Engineers.

"At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them."

Edmund George Gronow
1881-1934
Born in Tonyrefail the son of Evan Gronow & Eliza Rose. Edmund a Striker by trade 5' 9" tall with blue eyes and light brown hair.
He joined the Grenadier Guards on the 14th September 1900. He saw action in South Africa, earning the South African Medal with Clasps Cape colony & 1902.
He transferred to 1st class Army Reserve on the 10th September 1903, and was finally discharged from the army on the 9th September 1912.
He married Rebecca Gladys Wood on the 12th February 1905 in Cardiff.