11/11/2025
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
Today, we pause to honour the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served in times of war and conflict.
We’d like to pay special tribute to one of our own, Geoffrey Thomas Snr, who served with distinction in the 202 Battalion GHQ Reserves, known as ‘Auxiliaries’ during World War II.
The Mercian Maquis, as they were later known as refers to the secret resistance organisation in Herefordshire and Worcestershire during World War II that would have operated behind enemy lines in the event of a German invasion. The Maquis were made up of groups of 6 local men who operated from hidden, underground bases in wooded areas, which were stocked with arms and explosives.
The selected men were trained in Coleshill Swindon, for sabotage and terror tactics from camouflaged underground bases. Geoffrey Probert Thomas (founder of G.P. Thomas Construction) was a builder and agricultural contractor. His group based at Dinmore Hill were called Abednego and featured local men: - N.D.O Capper, R.G.H Brooks, G.P. Thomas, G.H. Chambers R.E. Holford, F.J. Hancorn. The story of the special auxiliaries (Mercian Maquis) was only recently revealed, as some surviving members broke their vow of silence.
Their sacrifice was the ultimate act of love for their country. May we always remember them.