Hori's legacy
What happened to Hori’s family after he died, and how do we remember his story today?
After the war
Hori was laid to rest at the Jerusalem War Cemetery. Initially his grave was marked with a simple wooden cross, but a headstone was added after the war when the cemetery could be properly tended.
Bessie died in 1967, forty years after the death of her husband. Sonny, their eldest boy, went on to work at RAF Kidbrooke where he lived with his wife, Doris, and two sons, Donald and Anthony Hori. Sonny wasn’t called up in the Second World War, but his brother Arthur served in the Royal Navy and his ship was torpedoed on more than one occasion.
Cyril spent the Second World War in Burma with the Royal Air Force and was involved in dropping supplies to troops. Jack also served in the Second World War, working as a wireless fitter and mechanic. All four sons survived the war and came home again.
Muriel married and went to live in South Africa, while Ruby worked for the Railway Board and travelled Europe extensively on trains.
Remembering Hori Tribe at The Royal Parks
It is now over 100 years since Hori Tribe died in battle, but his story lives on at Greenwich Park. This is largely thanks to his great granddaughter, Sarah Gooch – the granddaughter of Hori’s eldest son, Sonny. Hori’s letters are now in her possession.
In 2018, which marked 100 years since the end of the First World War, Sarah made contact with David and Claire Ivison of The Royal Parks Guild. At the time they were working on a project that traced the history of the Great War at the Royal Parks.
The Ivisons’ research revealed for the first time a full list of Royal Parks employees who died in the First World War. These men, including Hori Tribe, are now commemorated with a plaque at Brompton Cemetery – another site cared for by The Royal Parks.
Greenwich Park
Over at Greenwich Park, a new information board was recently installed as part of the Greenwich Park Revealed project. This features a prominent portrait of Hori Tribe and shares stories about Greenwich Park during the wars.
Soon, Hori will also feature in a new series of audio tours, allowing future generations to discover his story.
Sarah Gooch says:
'I am absolutely delighted now that the interpretation board is up for all to see by the boating lake. I feel that Hori has been brought home to the place he clearly loved and that his story is being kept alive. I am extremely grateful to everyone who has made the idea a reality.'
The new information board can be found in the north-east corner of the park, by the Boating Lake.
Thanks to the project Greenwich Park Revealed, we have installed several new information boards across the park. There are lots of fascinating stories to discover, so keep an eye out on your next visit!
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