Poppy Mercier
@poppymercier.bsky.social
26 y/o graphic designer & battlefield guide living on the Somme 🇫🇷 All views my own.
I sadly never met Jack, he died not long before I was born. He lived with these memories for the rest of his life. His stories have been passed down and now it’s my turn to start passing them along; sadly role of the Royal Navy in the American Sector is often passed over.
June 7, 2025 at 3:46 PM
I sadly never met Jack, he died not long before I was born. He lived with these memories for the rest of his life. His stories have been passed down and now it’s my turn to start passing them along; sadly role of the Royal Navy in the American Sector is often passed over.
It killed every man on board and threw Jack out into the water, causing severe shrapnel wounds to both arms. He was rescued when a fellow Coxswain pulled him out of the water by his belt. Jack’s war was over; waking up a few days later in hospital.
June 7, 2025 at 3:46 PM
It killed every man on board and threw Jack out into the water, causing severe shrapnel wounds to both arms. He was rescued when a fellow Coxswain pulled him out of the water by his belt. Jack’s war was over; waking up a few days later in hospital.
He came ashore piloting his LCA with men of the 116th Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division in Dog Green sector of the landing zone. Before they could even reach the beach they were hit by the 88 gun of WN72 situated on the beach at Vierville-sur-Mer.
June 7, 2025 at 3:46 PM
He came ashore piloting his LCA with men of the 116th Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division in Dog Green sector of the landing zone. Before they could even reach the beach they were hit by the 88 gun of WN72 situated on the beach at Vierville-sur-Mer.
He served in North Africa (Operation Torch) Sicily, Anzio and Salerno, piloting and working on Landing Craft (Assault). A few weeks ago I returned to the sector of Omaha Beach he landed on, 6 June 1944.
June 7, 2025 at 3:46 PM
He served in North Africa (Operation Torch) Sicily, Anzio and Salerno, piloting and working on Landing Craft (Assault). A few weeks ago I returned to the sector of Omaha Beach he landed on, 6 June 1944.
Uncle Jack
John “Jack” Marketis was my grandma Joan’s older brother. I was always quite close to her up to her death and I remember her telling me stories about her siblings including Jack. He joined the Royal Navy prior to the Second World War breaking out.
John “Jack” Marketis was my grandma Joan’s older brother. I was always quite close to her up to her death and I remember her telling me stories about her siblings including Jack. He joined the Royal Navy prior to the Second World War breaking out.
June 7, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Uncle Jack
John “Jack” Marketis was my grandma Joan’s older brother. I was always quite close to her up to her death and I remember her telling me stories about her siblings including Jack. He joined the Royal Navy prior to the Second World War breaking out.
John “Jack” Marketis was my grandma Joan’s older brother. I was always quite close to her up to her death and I remember her telling me stories about her siblings including Jack. He joined the Royal Navy prior to the Second World War breaking out.
L'église Notre-Dame de Carentan
Then & Now: 15/16 June 1944 to 20 May 2025
Members of the 326th Airborne Medical Company (101st Airborne Division) with one of their Jeeps parked in front of the church at Carentan talking to the locals.
Original photo courtesy of “WW2 US Medical Research Centre”
Then & Now: 15/16 June 1944 to 20 May 2025
Members of the 326th Airborne Medical Company (101st Airborne Division) with one of their Jeeps parked in front of the church at Carentan talking to the locals.
Original photo courtesy of “WW2 US Medical Research Centre”
May 26, 2025 at 6:28 PM
L'église Notre-Dame de Carentan
Then & Now: 15/16 June 1944 to 20 May 2025
Members of the 326th Airborne Medical Company (101st Airborne Division) with one of their Jeeps parked in front of the church at Carentan talking to the locals.
Original photo courtesy of “WW2 US Medical Research Centre”
Then & Now: 15/16 June 1944 to 20 May 2025
Members of the 326th Airborne Medical Company (101st Airborne Division) with one of their Jeeps parked in front of the church at Carentan talking to the locals.
Original photo courtesy of “WW2 US Medical Research Centre”
Burial service for 2 unknown commonwealth soldiers today in CWGC Ovillers Military Cemetery. Sadly their identities could not be discovered; they both receive a burial with full military honours. May they rest in peace, now alongside their comrades once more.
April 29, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Burial service for 2 unknown commonwealth soldiers today in CWGC Ovillers Military Cemetery. Sadly their identities could not be discovered; they both receive a burial with full military honours. May they rest in peace, now alongside their comrades once more.
It was great to finally be able to visit Loos British Cemetery Extension at the start of the week. The new cemetery has been built to accommodate another 1,200 burials; with the increase of remains being found over the last 10 years such a site is now greatly needed.
April 17, 2025 at 3:13 PM
It was great to finally be able to visit Loos British Cemetery Extension at the start of the week. The new cemetery has been built to accommodate another 1,200 burials; with the increase of remains being found over the last 10 years such a site is now greatly needed.
All ready for a new season and out with my first group next week! If you’re looking for a local guide who can bring a fresh perspective to your tours, don’t hesitate to contact me; from a general Battle of the Somme tour or following in the footsteps of a relative, I’m always happy to assist
April 6, 2025 at 3:37 PM
All ready for a new season and out with my first group next week! If you’re looking for a local guide who can bring a fresh perspective to your tours, don’t hesitate to contact me; from a general Battle of the Somme tour or following in the footsteps of a relative, I’m always happy to assist
Stop No.3: Rancourt British Cemetery. Sitting between the large French and German cemeteries of Rancourt, it contains less than 100 burials. This includes the 3 aircrew killed in a crash on their return from Arras in 1940
March 29, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Stop No.3: Rancourt British Cemetery. Sitting between the large French and German cemeteries of Rancourt, it contains less than 100 burials. This includes the 3 aircrew killed in a crash on their return from Arras in 1940
Stop No.2: La Chapelette. This cemetery has a great mix of both British/Commonwealth and Indian troops. In 1940 the Germans used the empty side section of the cemetery to bury their dead.
March 29, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Stop No.2: La Chapelette. This cemetery has a great mix of both British/Commonwealth and Indian troops. In 1940 the Germans used the empty side section of the cemetery to bury their dead.
A beautiful day for exploring the battlefields - visit No.1 to Brie British Cemetery, just outside of Péronne. Such a beautiful small cemetery out in the middle of nowhere with some fascinating burials.
March 29, 2025 at 4:40 PM
A beautiful day for exploring the battlefields - visit No.1 to Brie British Cemetery, just outside of Péronne. Such a beautiful small cemetery out in the middle of nowhere with some fascinating burials.
A beautiful service held today for L/Cpl George Rankeillor. He has previously been listed as missing on the Arras Memorial. Service was attended by the Household Cavalry and the Regimantal Association.
March 19, 2025 at 8:55 PM
A beautiful service held today for L/Cpl George Rankeillor. He has previously been listed as missing on the Arras Memorial. Service was attended by the Household Cavalry and the Regimantal Association.
New unit markings on the jeep, more accurate to her unit (326 Airborne Medical Co)
March 9, 2025 at 5:50 PM
New unit markings on the jeep, more accurate to her unit (326 Airborne Medical Co)
I took a brief visit to the tool shed at Serre No2 to see where IWGC Ben Leech hid allied airmen during WW2.
“To Major G.B. Simler in remembrance of his staying as guest? at Serre Road No. 2 Beaumont Hamel Somme France 1944"
Photo from the Simler family, shared by @caitlindeangelis.bsky.social
“To Major G.B. Simler in remembrance of his staying as guest? at Serre Road No. 2 Beaumont Hamel Somme France 1944"
Photo from the Simler family, shared by @caitlindeangelis.bsky.social
February 19, 2025 at 6:13 PM
I took a brief visit to the tool shed at Serre No2 to see where IWGC Ben Leech hid allied airmen during WW2.
“To Major G.B. Simler in remembrance of his staying as guest? at Serre Road No. 2 Beaumont Hamel Somme France 1944"
Photo from the Simler family, shared by @caitlindeangelis.bsky.social
“To Major G.B. Simler in remembrance of his staying as guest? at Serre Road No. 2 Beaumont Hamel Somme France 1944"
Photo from the Simler family, shared by @caitlindeangelis.bsky.social
Buried in Meharicourt cemetery is the crew of Lancaster KB714. On 13 June 1944 the crew from 419 Sqd were returning from bombing Cambrai when they were shot down very close by to Courcelette British Cemetery, killing all on board. May they rest in peace.
“Moosa aswayita"
“Moosa aswayita"
February 2, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Buried in Meharicourt cemetery is the crew of Lancaster KB714. On 13 June 1944 the crew from 419 Sqd were returning from bombing Cambrai when they were shot down very close by to Courcelette British Cemetery, killing all on board. May they rest in peace.
“Moosa aswayita"
“Moosa aswayita"
Merry Christmas to all friends and followers. I wish you all a lovely time and a very happy new year 🎄🎉
December 24, 2024 at 4:16 PM
Merry Christmas to all friends and followers. I wish you all a lovely time and a very happy new year 🎄🎉
#ChristmasMarkets in #Berlin last week. We went to a few but I only took photos at Alexanderplatz & Das Center in Potsdammer Platz.
December 7, 2024 at 4:40 PM
#ChristmasMarkets in #Berlin last week. We went to a few but I only took photos at Alexanderplatz & Das Center in Potsdammer Platz.
Just some highlights of my 5 days in Berlin…always an excellent time exploring the city, rediscovering its history and enjoying some of the local culture.
December 1, 2024 at 2:29 PM
Just some highlights of my 5 days in Berlin…always an excellent time exploring the city, rediscovering its history and enjoying some of the local culture.
Only a few days now until I’m back in my favourite city for the first time since 2019. Berlin is such a beautiful city, with such a rich history and an amazing variety of museums and historic sites
November 23, 2024 at 7:11 PM
Only a few days now until I’m back in my favourite city for the first time since 2019. Berlin is such a beautiful city, with such a rich history and an amazing variety of museums and historic sites
Away from my love of military history comes my love of historic military medicine. My full time job is creating WW2 era replicas for reenactors, film & TV and museums. I’ve always had a love for graphic design and this allows me to combine my two passions.
November 20, 2024 at 10:58 PM
Away from my love of military history comes my love of historic military medicine. My full time job is creating WW2 era replicas for reenactors, film & TV and museums. I’ve always had a love for graphic design and this allows me to combine my two passions.
Snow on the Somme - by this point in 1916 the battle of the Somme was over. But the fighting continued for months with the attacks on the Ancre & Boom Ravine. The weather was awful, snowy and icy, much like it was in these photos I took in Jan 2024, 2021 & 2019.
November 19, 2024 at 12:12 PM
Snow on the Somme - by this point in 1916 the battle of the Somme was over. But the fighting continued for months with the attacks on the Ancre & Boom Ravine. The weather was awful, snowy and icy, much like it was in these photos I took in Jan 2024, 2021 & 2019.
As everybody is sharing old school photos of the battlefields recently - here’s two from my collection:
1) Marcoing British Cemetery, a column passes by sometime in 1941.
2) Bray Military Cemetery, the local gendarmerie gather to mark the liberation, 1st Sept 1944.
1) Marcoing British Cemetery, a column passes by sometime in 1941.
2) Bray Military Cemetery, the local gendarmerie gather to mark the liberation, 1st Sept 1944.
November 16, 2024 at 10:30 AM
As everybody is sharing old school photos of the battlefields recently - here’s two from my collection:
1) Marcoing British Cemetery, a column passes by sometime in 1941.
2) Bray Military Cemetery, the local gendarmerie gather to mark the liberation, 1st Sept 1944.
1) Marcoing British Cemetery, a column passes by sometime in 1941.
2) Bray Military Cemetery, the local gendarmerie gather to mark the liberation, 1st Sept 1944.