• Family remember WWI hero after street named in his honour

Family remember WWI hero after street named in his honour

Iris Watret and Chan Kataria

iris-watret-and-chan-kataria

Relatives of a much-loved local resident who died in the First World War gathered in Thringstone, Leicestershire, to reminisce and view new homes built on a street named in his honour.

Family remember WWI hero after street named in his honour

John Fortnam was born in 1899 and lived very close to the Fox Inn, the site of the new homes, before joining the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. He was killed in action at the age of just 19 while serving on The Hawke.

Fortnam Close consists of 23 affordable homes, built by Coalville-based social housing and care provider emh group.

At the event the relatives were joined by Ward Councillor Dave Everitt and local historical group Friends of Thringstone. Chan Kataria, emh group Chief Executive, opened proceedings by giving a short speech on the background to the naming of the scheme and the role of emh group in supporting local communities.

After a tour of the properties, the party made their way to the George and Dragon for refreshments and more reminiscences. Iris Watret, John Fortnam’s niece, spoke about the history of the family, particularly John’s direct descendants, and his great-niece Pam Nutting spoke about John’s role in the Great War and how he was buried in France.