Lt Colonel Dr Brian Duncan 'BD' Shaw MM 1898-1999

Brian Duncan was a proper local legend - a Nottinghamshire man who lived through both world wars and came out the other side with a Military Medal to prove it. Born in 1898, he saw action in the First World War, then lived another eighty-one years watching the century turn. That's the kind of longevity that commands respect.

The memorial or site dedicated to Shaw (you'll find references around Nottingham itself) is really for those with a genuine interest in local military history rather than casual visitors after a quick photo stop. If you're based at one of the nearby campsites - Holme Pierrepont or Bell Tent Village are your closest options at around four to five miles out - it's worth digging into during a rainy afternoon or as part of a broader heritage trail through the area.

What makes Shaw significant isn't just the dates, but what those dates represent. A man born during Victoria's reign, serving in the trenches, then living long enough to see the NHS established and the space age begin. That's a span of lived experience that older visitors especially will find moving.

You'll need to do your homework before you visit - contact Nottingham's tourist information or local history societies for current access details and opening arrangements. This isn't a staffed attraction with regular hours; it's more a place of quiet remembrance that rewards those who've done their research. Bring context, and you'll get something real out of it.