AN EMOTIONAL visit from a group of French researchers has inspired descendants of Horsham war hero Robert Edward Charles to return the favour.
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Sgt Charles was pictured in a long-lost series of photographs from the First World War.
The Lost Diggers of Vignacourt collection was discovered in the attic of a farmhouse in Vignacourt, France, after almost a century.
Since identifying Sgt Charles, his family has been liaising with French researchers and documentary-makers.
On Saturday, the Vignacourt Youth Embassy and documentary-makers David Chour and Emmanuel Louisy-Gabriel visited Horsham as part of a national tour.
Sgt Charles’ grand-daughter Sally Bertram said the visitors wanted to meet her family and find out more about her grandfather’s life.
Mrs Bertram said the group was especially excited to meet her mother Virginia Easson, 90, who is Sgt Charles’ youngest daughter.
On Sunday, Horsham Rural City Council and Horsham RSL hosted an official welcoming ceremony.
The delegates presented Horsham Mayor David Grimble with a Vignacourt medal and a letter from the village’s mayor.
The delegation has inspired Mrs Bertram and her family to visit France to see where Sgt Charles spent his time during his service.
