Saunton Beach, Devon

The sun shone on Saunton Beach today and we were treated to a special display of reflection and celebration. Great job by everybody involved with 1418 NOW, Wren Music and #RMBChivenor and fantastic support from across the region. A lovely way to remember. Thank you.
This is the story behind Devon's face in the sand:
Captain Ralph George Griffiths Cumine-Robson (13 August 1888 – 23 December 1914)
... Ralph Cumine-Robson was born in Chinsura, Bengal, India, Ralph was educated at Eton, enjoying a reputation for fearlessness that carried on into his military career. After Eton, Ralph joined the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich.
At the outbreak of war, he volunteered for active service, joining the 3rd Company, 1st King George’s Own Sappers and Miners. he served on the western front as part of the Indian Corps of Sappers and Miners. H
He was promoted to captain on 18 December 1914, but was killed in action a few days later near Neuve Chapelle, France, and was buried at the Estaires Cemetery.
Images: Paula Davies
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Join us on Saunton Beach for a unique event to mark the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.
This Sunday a large scale sand portrait of a casualty from the First World War - Captain Ralph George Griffiths Cumine-Robson (read his life story below) - will be etched in the sand to be washed away by the incoming tide.
In addition to the portrait, between 2-4pm there will be other related activities on the beach with a pebble art workshop for children and choir performance from Wr...en Music
Pilton community colege students will read out the poem specially written for the occasion by poet Carol Ann Duffy and Chivenor troops will also be helping out on the day. A percentage of the car park takings from the day will be donated to veterans' charities by Saunton Beach Enterprises.
Pages of the Sea is a nationwide project being overseen by Danny Boyle, who has been commissioned to celebrate the occasion. The Oscar winning director specifically requested that Saunton be the flagship location for the Devon event, based on fond memories of holidaying here as a child. https://www.facebook.com/…/p.6145437856 48…/614543785648575/…
Ralph's Story:
Captain Ralph George Griffiths Cumine-Robson (13 August 1888 – 23 December 1914)
Ralph Cumine-Robson was born in Chinsura, Bengal, India, to Ellen Frances Cumine and Samuel Robson, principal of the Prince of Wales College, Jammu (they later retired to Bradiford House, Barnstaple, Devon). Ralph was educated at Eton, where he excelled at the public school’s wall game, enjoying a reputation for fearlessness that carried on into his military career.
After Eton, Ralph joined the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, before in 1908 gaining a commission in the Royal Engineers and returning to India. At the outbreak of war, he volunteered for active service, joining the 3rd Company, 1st King George’s Own Sappers and Miners, attached to the Meerut Division, Indian Expeditionary Force, which quickly sailed from Bombay.
Ralph was now serving on the western front as part of the Indian Corps of Sappers and Miners, a force noted in a dispatch for its “skill and resource” by Field Marshal Sir John French. Ralph, too, was mentioned in a dispatch. He had been promoted to captain on 18 December 1914, but was killed in action a few days later near Neuve Chapelle, France, and was buried at the Estaires Cemetery. Close
Saunton Sands Saunton Nr Braunton EX331LQ
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Looking forward to seeing this moving tribute take place at Saunton on the 11th

If anyone finds a platinum wedding ring whilst out in the dunes we have been contacted by it's owner who would be very grateful for its safe return. Thanks.

31 years ago!

Excellent! Please help us to keep our beautiful beach clean! Waste, recycling and dog poo bins are located across the site. ♻️🏖 Our next beach clean is on Thurs 2nd Aug, 6pm-8pm! Do come along!! 🏖♻️

Incredible 360 aerial shot by Shaun Selly!

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Absolutely love this!! 😊😎🌞 Thanks for letting us share, Beverley!