Below is a review of the some of the branch meetings held at Williamson Art Gallery.
1st March 2024 LESSONS OF THE HUNDRED DAYS - AMIENS TO THE ARMISTICE by Simon Peaple
An excellent talk delivered with enthusiasm and good reasoning. Simon firstly explained the background to his talk – that on occasion the importance and resonance of the Somme & Third Ypres battles can overshadow other aspects of the war, especially when contending with the ‘Lions led by donkeys’ point of view. It can be forgotten that following the ‘worst day’, the 1st July 1916, things started to get better. Ultimately leading to victory.
His compelling argument (which sparked some great discussion on opposing viewpoints during the Q & A) was that, it was not just issues like poor German performance that led to Allied victory.
Things had gone right in the Somme battle and it was the gradual implementation of what was working, at the right moments, which led to allied superiority.
A great example being the potential impact of Lodge membership on the Ulster Division success at Thiepval – the chain of command allowing for senior lodge members who were lower in rank to have a voice.
Focusing on the Battle of Amiens it was interesting to see comparisons with 1915 battles such as Neuve Chappelle, were the element of surprise, with a short bombardment and limited objectives was replicated in 1918 – the difference being the Allies now had superior men and material to go repeatedly. While drastically reducing battalion manpower the increase in material in particularly machine guns played a huge part. In fact, a direct comparison between battalion strength & rounds per minute fired showed an increase from 17,100 in 1914 to 24,800 in 1918. Also acknowledging the importance women workers were making in the manufacture of ordinance – it does not matter how many rpm a battalion can fire if there are no bullets to fire! In addition, the impact Foch had at this time on allied decision-making, diminishing Haig’s role.
Same with the artillery as Simon explained how not only the availability of guns and shells, but also the management of gun barrels, played a huge part in Allied success of 8th August onwards. Worn barrels could be used to saturate enemy command centers with gas to neutralize their impact, while fresh gun barrels would be used to target enemy guns were the need for accuracy was greater.
Using ‘artillery formation’ structure for advancing troops. Aircraft to avoid enemy observation of troop movements & following the attack to concentrate on the bombing of reinforcements, to slow down enemy reserve deployment, were both shown as proof of the army’s ability to learn when something worked, develop the strategy & apply correctly at the right time.
Explaining how the Canadian success as a ‘single’ corps was partly down to better intelligence and reporting, he showed how many of these points were combined for the attack on the Hindenburg Line. This included the change in attitude towards the autonomy of NCO’s and OR’s to make decisions, which by this time was actively encouraged to promote advances ‘on their own initiative’ – mostly unheard of in 1916. In summary that this plus tactical awareness and industrial mobilization were the right combination for success.
An excellent talk delivered with enthusiasm and good reasoning. Simon firstly explained the background to his talk – that on occasion the importance and resonance of the Somme & Third Ypres battles can overshadow other aspects of the war, especially when contending with the ‘Lions led by donkeys’ point of view. It can be forgotten that following the ‘worst day’, the 1st July 1916, things started to get better. Ultimately leading to victory.
His compelling argument (which sparked some great discussion on opposing viewpoints during the Q & A) was that, it was not just issues like poor German performance that led to Allied victory.
Things had gone right in the Somme battle and it was the gradual implementation of what was working, at the right moments, which led to allied superiority.
A great example being the potential impact of Lodge membership on the Ulster Division success at Thiepval – the chain of command allowing for senior lodge members who were lower in rank to have a voice.
Focusing on the Battle of Amiens it was interesting to see comparisons with 1915 battles such as Neuve Chappelle, were the element of surprise, with a short bombardment and limited objectives was replicated in 1918 – the difference being the Allies now had superior men and material to go repeatedly. While drastically reducing battalion manpower the increase in material in particularly machine guns played a huge part. In fact, a direct comparison between battalion strength & rounds per minute fired showed an increase from 17,100 in 1914 to 24,800 in 1918. Also acknowledging the importance women workers were making in the manufacture of ordinance – it does not matter how many rpm a battalion can fire if there are no bullets to fire! In addition, the impact Foch had at this time on allied decision-making, diminishing Haig’s role.
Same with the artillery as Simon explained how not only the availability of guns and shells, but also the management of gun barrels, played a huge part in Allied success of 8th August onwards. Worn barrels could be used to saturate enemy command centers with gas to neutralize their impact, while fresh gun barrels would be used to target enemy guns were the need for accuracy was greater.
Using ‘artillery formation’ structure for advancing troops. Aircraft to avoid enemy observation of troop movements & following the attack to concentrate on the bombing of reinforcements, to slow down enemy reserve deployment, were both shown as proof of the army’s ability to learn when something worked, develop the strategy & apply correctly at the right time.
Explaining how the Canadian success as a ‘single’ corps was partly down to better intelligence and reporting, he showed how many of these points were combined for the attack on the Hindenburg Line. This included the change in attitude towards the autonomy of NCO’s and OR’s to make decisions, which by this time was actively encouraged to promote advances ‘on their own initiative’ – mostly unheard of in 1916. In summary that this plus tactical awareness and industrial mobilization were the right combination for success.
2nd February 2024 ROLAND LEIGHTON - A HERO TO THREE WOMEN by Dr. Phylomena Badsey
An interesting talk, centered on the relationship Roland Aubrey Leighton had with his mother Marie, his sister Clare and his lover Vera Brittain. Seen from three entirely different perspectives, the mother’s loss of her perfect son, the sister’s relationship with her spoiled and favored older brother and the lost, poet and soulmate that Vera would never get over.
Serving with the 7th Worcester’s, he was a well-regarded officer, who took his duties very seriously and was recognized for his bravery, the care of his men and his excellent staff skills. He died of wounds after being shot in the stomach on the 23/12/15 and is buried in Louvencourt Military Cemetery.
The impact of his death and that of his friends, Edward Brittain, Victor Richardson and Geoffrey Thurlow, had long lasting effects on all three women and it was compelling listening to hear and then discuss the very differing impacts from each different point of view.
For follow up reading ‘None That Go Return: Leighton, Brittain and Friends, and the Lost Generation 1914-18’ by Don Farr was highly recommended by the presenter.
An interesting talk, centered on the relationship Roland Aubrey Leighton had with his mother Marie, his sister Clare and his lover Vera Brittain. Seen from three entirely different perspectives, the mother’s loss of her perfect son, the sister’s relationship with her spoiled and favored older brother and the lost, poet and soulmate that Vera would never get over.
Serving with the 7th Worcester’s, he was a well-regarded officer, who took his duties very seriously and was recognized for his bravery, the care of his men and his excellent staff skills. He died of wounds after being shot in the stomach on the 23/12/15 and is buried in Louvencourt Military Cemetery.
The impact of his death and that of his friends, Edward Brittain, Victor Richardson and Geoffrey Thurlow, had long lasting effects on all three women and it was compelling listening to hear and then discuss the very differing impacts from each different point of view.
For follow up reading ‘None That Go Return: Leighton, Brittain and Friends, and the Lost Generation 1914-18’ by Don Farr was highly recommended by the presenter.
3rd November 2023 - AN INTRODUCTION TO THE GREAT WAR IN AFRICA 1914-1918 - A talk by Anne Sampson
Ann introduced herself and explained something of her background and interest in WW1 in Africa, a quite often overlooked theatre by many researchers. Colonial interests were to the fore and protection of, and expansion of, the aims of the combatants. Germany, France, Belgium and Britain, counted large swathes of Africa as their territory, and so, as the nations declared their hostilities in Europe, these positions were repeated in their colonies. Ann illustrated this with a contemporary painting by a black man, expressing his view of the colonists, including the depiction of the British with a motor car, and the Germans with bikes!
Some surprising facts and figures were given, the first British shots of the war, the first naval battle, and the longest naval battle of the war all took place in Africa, ( Konigsberg sinking ). Ann went on to describe the progress of the war, the fighting for, and falls of Togoland, Cameroons, German SW Africa, and German E Africa. The many practicalities of fighting in a country as diverse as Africa were touched on, e.g. 275 language groups in East Africa alone! Tribal and ethnic conflicts were an issue too. Also surprisingly, an air campaign also existed, with 1000 + South African airmen joining the RFC, to fly some 274 aircraft bought with a donation of £500K +.
Distance and transport ere a major problem, the porters available numbered in the millions plus 300K+ soldiers all to be fed and equipped. Half and quarter rations were common, with poor food and preparation blamed for many illnesses and deaths. Almost 75% of all fatalities were due to illness and malnutrition, with fragmented medical facilities under the control of many different agencies, with difficult terrain and long distances to access help compounding the problems Ann also noted that, during the campaign, British changed their senior commanding officer ten times, whereas Von Lettow-Vorbeck, the German CO, was in charge throughout. Another very interesting talk, which complimented well the previous Tim Cockitt talk on the Lake Tangkynika, on a rarely heard subject, Ann suggested further reading from “Tip and Run” by Edwin Paice and “La Congo Belgique dans le premiere guerre mondiale”, ( author unknown )
Ann introduced herself and explained something of her background and interest in WW1 in Africa, a quite often overlooked theatre by many researchers. Colonial interests were to the fore and protection of, and expansion of, the aims of the combatants. Germany, France, Belgium and Britain, counted large swathes of Africa as their territory, and so, as the nations declared their hostilities in Europe, these positions were repeated in their colonies. Ann illustrated this with a contemporary painting by a black man, expressing his view of the colonists, including the depiction of the British with a motor car, and the Germans with bikes!
Some surprising facts and figures were given, the first British shots of the war, the first naval battle, and the longest naval battle of the war all took place in Africa, ( Konigsberg sinking ). Ann went on to describe the progress of the war, the fighting for, and falls of Togoland, Cameroons, German SW Africa, and German E Africa. The many practicalities of fighting in a country as diverse as Africa were touched on, e.g. 275 language groups in East Africa alone! Tribal and ethnic conflicts were an issue too. Also surprisingly, an air campaign also existed, with 1000 + South African airmen joining the RFC, to fly some 274 aircraft bought with a donation of £500K +.
Distance and transport ere a major problem, the porters available numbered in the millions plus 300K+ soldiers all to be fed and equipped. Half and quarter rations were common, with poor food and preparation blamed for many illnesses and deaths. Almost 75% of all fatalities were due to illness and malnutrition, with fragmented medical facilities under the control of many different agencies, with difficult terrain and long distances to access help compounding the problems Ann also noted that, during the campaign, British changed their senior commanding officer ten times, whereas Von Lettow-Vorbeck, the German CO, was in charge throughout. Another very interesting talk, which complimented well the previous Tim Cockitt talk on the Lake Tangkynika, on a rarely heard subject, Ann suggested further reading from “Tip and Run” by Edwin Paice and “La Congo Belgique dans le premiere guerre mondiale”, ( author unknown )
6th October 2023 - THE BATTLE OF LAKE TANGKYNIKA - A talk by Tim Cockitt
Tim kindly stepped in at short notice to give his talk, opening by outlining his own interest in East Africa, and described the status of the regions of the country and their status as colonies of Britain France, Belgium and Germany in 1914. The German military strength consisted of 4000 Askari soldiers and their German officers under the command of Von Lettow-Vorbeck, along with 2 gunboats patrolling Lake Tangkynika, along with the presence the of commerce raider SMS Konigsberg on the coast. The Lake had great strategic importance to the countries whose colonies bordered it and control was hotly contested. On the 22/8, the Germans sank a Belgian ship in order to gain complete control of the lake. The Konigsberg was eventually sunk, and the guns salvaged to be taken overland to the lake to re-equip the Graf Von Goetzen, 1200 tons and now equipped with the 105mm guns from the Konigsberg. The other German ships on the lake were the Kingari, lighter and smaller than the Von Goetzen and the Hedwig Von Weissman, 120 ft in length and more heavily armed than the Kingari. Thus the Germans had unopposed control of the lake.
On the 21/4/15 an agent brings news that, the Germans were preparing to launch a new ship, and it was mooted that, the British bring two new fast pinnaces overland to be assembled at the lake to take on the German ships. The job went to a Capt. Geoffrey Spicer-Simpson, an RN officer with a rather chequered career, an eccentric man by all accounts! He proposes 2 x 40ft pinnaces, of 8 tons each, equipped with 3lb Hotchkiss guns and capable of 18 knots, far faster than any of the German ships. Against a fair amount of criticism and opposition, the boats are built and taken in kit form some 8000 miles to the lake, first by ship, then rail, then river then the hardest part, overland with oxen and a traction engine! The expedition comprised of 27 members with varying backgrounds and skills who laboured for weeks to get to the lake, a 5 day delay due to a collapsed wagon, a forest fire, and a run in with the Belgian military being some of the highlights of the journey!
Eventually the boats were built and launched, named Mimi and Tou-tou, they firstly captured the Kingari, and re-named her Fifi, elevating Spicer-Simpson to the status of a god in the eyes of the native population for striking a blow against the hated German. The next target was the Hedwig Von Weissman which was attacked and sunk leaving only the Von Goetzen. As the German position worsened, Lettow-Vorbeck ordered the scuttling of the last German boat, thus ending German control of lake Tangkynika. The Von Goetzen was re-floated after the war, and is still in use as ferry/ cruise ship today!
Von Lettow-Vorbeck held this territory for 4 years against a combined enemy force of 300,00, with only 4000 men. A fascinating look at another aspect of WW1 which is not often visited.
Tim kindly stepped in at short notice to give his talk, opening by outlining his own interest in East Africa, and described the status of the regions of the country and their status as colonies of Britain France, Belgium and Germany in 1914. The German military strength consisted of 4000 Askari soldiers and their German officers under the command of Von Lettow-Vorbeck, along with 2 gunboats patrolling Lake Tangkynika, along with the presence the of commerce raider SMS Konigsberg on the coast. The Lake had great strategic importance to the countries whose colonies bordered it and control was hotly contested. On the 22/8, the Germans sank a Belgian ship in order to gain complete control of the lake. The Konigsberg was eventually sunk, and the guns salvaged to be taken overland to the lake to re-equip the Graf Von Goetzen, 1200 tons and now equipped with the 105mm guns from the Konigsberg. The other German ships on the lake were the Kingari, lighter and smaller than the Von Goetzen and the Hedwig Von Weissman, 120 ft in length and more heavily armed than the Kingari. Thus the Germans had unopposed control of the lake.
On the 21/4/15 an agent brings news that, the Germans were preparing to launch a new ship, and it was mooted that, the British bring two new fast pinnaces overland to be assembled at the lake to take on the German ships. The job went to a Capt. Geoffrey Spicer-Simpson, an RN officer with a rather chequered career, an eccentric man by all accounts! He proposes 2 x 40ft pinnaces, of 8 tons each, equipped with 3lb Hotchkiss guns and capable of 18 knots, far faster than any of the German ships. Against a fair amount of criticism and opposition, the boats are built and taken in kit form some 8000 miles to the lake, first by ship, then rail, then river then the hardest part, overland with oxen and a traction engine! The expedition comprised of 27 members with varying backgrounds and skills who laboured for weeks to get to the lake, a 5 day delay due to a collapsed wagon, a forest fire, and a run in with the Belgian military being some of the highlights of the journey!
Eventually the boats were built and launched, named Mimi and Tou-tou, they firstly captured the Kingari, and re-named her Fifi, elevating Spicer-Simpson to the status of a god in the eyes of the native population for striking a blow against the hated German. The next target was the Hedwig Von Weissman which was attacked and sunk leaving only the Von Goetzen. As the German position worsened, Lettow-Vorbeck ordered the scuttling of the last German boat, thus ending German control of lake Tangkynika. The Von Goetzen was re-floated after the war, and is still in use as ferry/ cruise ship today!
Von Lettow-Vorbeck held this territory for 4 years against a combined enemy force of 300,00, with only 4000 men. A fascinating look at another aspect of WW1 which is not often visited.
1st September 2023 - THE FLEET THAT JACK BUILT, AN INTRODUCTION OF THE DREADNOUGHT 1900-1914,
A talk by Scott Lindgren
Scott opened his talk discussing the involvement of Jackie Fisher in the development of the Dreadnought in 1906. Beginning with an outline of the status of the Royal Navy in 1900, the primary role of which was to protect British global trade interests, comprising 2 types of capital ships, battleships and armoured cruisers. HMS Majestic, described as the forerunner of Dreadnought, whose primary role was to engage other capital ships, was used as the basis for improvements in technology, better range finding, hydraulic loading and control gear, larger guns and increased range of engagement.
Scott went on to describe the career of Jackie Fisher, and his influence on innovations and technology. As his career advanced culminating in his promotion to first sea Lord, he began to introduce wholesale changes in concept, culminating in the production of Dreadnought, 21 knots, and 10 x 12” guns, making her the most formidable battleship afloat to date. She was followed by HMS Invincible, lighter armour, 25-30 knots, 8 x 12” guns.
Scott then discussed the rise of German naval power, and it’s effect on the British view of naval dominance, and how Tirpitz responds by expanding Germany’s ship building programme as a response to the threat from the British / Russian / French alliance. In return, Britain expanded it’s own warship programme, culminating in the production of the 13.5” x 8, 28 knot “Super Dreadnought”
Some discussion of the effectiveness of Jutland, the blockading of German supplies by the RN, and it’s bearing on the ultimate outcome of the war followed, ending a most informative presentation.
A talk by Scott Lindgren
Scott opened his talk discussing the involvement of Jackie Fisher in the development of the Dreadnought in 1906. Beginning with an outline of the status of the Royal Navy in 1900, the primary role of which was to protect British global trade interests, comprising 2 types of capital ships, battleships and armoured cruisers. HMS Majestic, described as the forerunner of Dreadnought, whose primary role was to engage other capital ships, was used as the basis for improvements in technology, better range finding, hydraulic loading and control gear, larger guns and increased range of engagement.
Scott went on to describe the career of Jackie Fisher, and his influence on innovations and technology. As his career advanced culminating in his promotion to first sea Lord, he began to introduce wholesale changes in concept, culminating in the production of Dreadnought, 21 knots, and 10 x 12” guns, making her the most formidable battleship afloat to date. She was followed by HMS Invincible, lighter armour, 25-30 knots, 8 x 12” guns.
Scott then discussed the rise of German naval power, and it’s effect on the British view of naval dominance, and how Tirpitz responds by expanding Germany’s ship building programme as a response to the threat from the British / Russian / French alliance. In return, Britain expanded it’s own warship programme, culminating in the production of the 13.5” x 8, 28 knot “Super Dreadnought”
Some discussion of the effectiveness of Jutland, the blockading of German supplies by the RN, and it’s bearing on the ultimate outcome of the war followed, ending a most informative presentation.
3rd August 2023; A MONYASH GRENADIER, a talk by Peter Threlfall
Peter began by describing the village of Monyash, some 8 miles South of Buxton, it’s history and it’s connection to his family, or rather his wife Jo’s family. During a visit to Jo’s relatives Pete became aware of a connection to a WW1 soldier, one Joseph Handley, a serving soldier in the Grenadier Guards, he was killed in action in 1917. Subsequently, a letter possibly found on his body led Peter to begin researching the history of Joseph.
Pete then went on to describe the many painstaking hours of work that followed, including a visit to the grave in Sailly-Saillisel cemetary, the discovery that, his body had been moved from his original burial site, contemporary newspaper articles, the discovery of the long forgotten death plaque and medals, and an almost certainly genuine photograph of the man, something which was believed didn’t exist and, a newspaper article revealing that, Joseph was killed by shellfire. Many other interesting facts were unearthed including a return home to recover from wounds which, Peter believes, coincided with home leave with the two nephews who joined up with him!
Another superbly researched talk, which was inspired by a chance remark in conversation, proving that, if you look hard enough………….
Peter began by describing the village of Monyash, some 8 miles South of Buxton, it’s history and it’s connection to his family, or rather his wife Jo’s family. During a visit to Jo’s relatives Pete became aware of a connection to a WW1 soldier, one Joseph Handley, a serving soldier in the Grenadier Guards, he was killed in action in 1917. Subsequently, a letter possibly found on his body led Peter to begin researching the history of Joseph.
Pete then went on to describe the many painstaking hours of work that followed, including a visit to the grave in Sailly-Saillisel cemetary, the discovery that, his body had been moved from his original burial site, contemporary newspaper articles, the discovery of the long forgotten death plaque and medals, and an almost certainly genuine photograph of the man, something which was believed didn’t exist and, a newspaper article revealing that, Joseph was killed by shellfire. Many other interesting facts were unearthed including a return home to recover from wounds which, Peter believes, coincided with home leave with the two nephews who joined up with him!
Another superbly researched talk, which was inspired by a chance remark in conversation, proving that, if you look hard enough………….
6th July 2023; WOMEN AT WAR, a talk by Judith Beastall
Judith opened her talk by proposing to outline some of the changes in women’s lives during the war, using real life examples.
Starting with nurses, Judith described the life and career of Harriet Ann Ross 1863 – 1939 who was wounded whilst serving, and was awarded the red cross medal
Agnes Murdoch Climie 1885 – 1917, killed in action on the 30/9/17
Nellie Spindler, b.1891, posted overseas 23/5/17 to Brandhoek via LeHavre, was wounded on duty, and listed KIA 21/8/17.
Charlotte Meade nee’ Hudson, b.1899 died in 1916 from TNT poisoning whilst on munitions work
Mary Carter nee’ Lacy, b.1892, killed on 11/12/1916 in an explosion during munitions work.
Edith Smith b.21/11/1876, serving policewoman, first woman to be granted powers of arrest
Other women who served on the front line included,
Maria Bochkareva, decorated 3 times, wounded twice whilst defending the winter palace in October 1917, captured by the revolutionary government and executed by firing squad
Katherine Mary Hartley, posted to Salonika to run the women’s hospital, awarded the Crois de Guerre, killed in a street explosion.
Flora Sandes, b.11/1/1876, posted to Serbia as nurse, enlisted 10/1915 and fought in Macedonia and was wounded, receiving Serbia’s highest honour, commissioned as an officer 1919 and demobbed in 1922.
These few examples were part of many researched by Judith, and the talk contained much additional information on their earlier and subsequent lives, a remarkable insight into the lives that opened up opportunities for many, many women due to the war, not just these example but of the huge numbers of ladies who stepped up to fill the ordinary jobs of the missing men, women who had yet to be given the vote or a chance at higher education and independence, domestic married life, or service being the choice for the majority. Another thought provoking talk into an often overlooked consequence of the war’s effect on society
Judith opened her talk by proposing to outline some of the changes in women’s lives during the war, using real life examples.
Starting with nurses, Judith described the life and career of Harriet Ann Ross 1863 – 1939 who was wounded whilst serving, and was awarded the red cross medal
Agnes Murdoch Climie 1885 – 1917, killed in action on the 30/9/17
Nellie Spindler, b.1891, posted overseas 23/5/17 to Brandhoek via LeHavre, was wounded on duty, and listed KIA 21/8/17.
Charlotte Meade nee’ Hudson, b.1899 died in 1916 from TNT poisoning whilst on munitions work
Mary Carter nee’ Lacy, b.1892, killed on 11/12/1916 in an explosion during munitions work.
Edith Smith b.21/11/1876, serving policewoman, first woman to be granted powers of arrest
Other women who served on the front line included,
Maria Bochkareva, decorated 3 times, wounded twice whilst defending the winter palace in October 1917, captured by the revolutionary government and executed by firing squad
Katherine Mary Hartley, posted to Salonika to run the women’s hospital, awarded the Crois de Guerre, killed in a street explosion.
Flora Sandes, b.11/1/1876, posted to Serbia as nurse, enlisted 10/1915 and fought in Macedonia and was wounded, receiving Serbia’s highest honour, commissioned as an officer 1919 and demobbed in 1922.
These few examples were part of many researched by Judith, and the talk contained much additional information on their earlier and subsequent lives, a remarkable insight into the lives that opened up opportunities for many, many women due to the war, not just these example but of the huge numbers of ladies who stepped up to fill the ordinary jobs of the missing men, women who had yet to be given the vote or a chance at higher education and independence, domestic married life, or service being the choice for the majority. Another thought provoking talk into an often overlooked consequence of the war’s effect on society
2nd June 2023: DADDY, WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE GREAT WAR? A talk by Dr Rebecca Ball
English working class fathers In WW1
Dr Ball began by explaining her talk was based on 50 autobiographies from the “Burnett” collection, of some 26 female and 24 males born between 1900 and 1915. All unpublished and all self described as working class.
One, James Newton, recalled the death of his father KIA at Dellville wood and how it framed his view of the war years, of the 50 biographies this was the only recollection of close death experience. Of the remainder, 46 had a father/stepfather during the war of whom only 13 were on active service. Of these 92% survived the war mainly due to age, location of service and position in rank, the loss of siblings was far more common due to age at conscription/volunteer. Of the, 50, 1 in 9 lost someone, 1 in 7 someone close, of the 50, fathers in reserved occupations (16) too old (3) and medically unfit (7) were recorded. Poor health in the industrial workforce was a notable factor in exemptions, a further 7 were exempt for unspecified reasons. Rebecca also noted that, there was a fall in the general mortality rates in the population, possibly due to improvements in living standards among the working population. Another very interesting look at how some of the preconceptions of the war don’t necessarily bear close examination.
English working class fathers In WW1
Dr Ball began by explaining her talk was based on 50 autobiographies from the “Burnett” collection, of some 26 female and 24 males born between 1900 and 1915. All unpublished and all self described as working class.
One, James Newton, recalled the death of his father KIA at Dellville wood and how it framed his view of the war years, of the 50 biographies this was the only recollection of close death experience. Of the remainder, 46 had a father/stepfather during the war of whom only 13 were on active service. Of these 92% survived the war mainly due to age, location of service and position in rank, the loss of siblings was far more common due to age at conscription/volunteer. Of the, 50, 1 in 9 lost someone, 1 in 7 someone close, of the 50, fathers in reserved occupations (16) too old (3) and medically unfit (7) were recorded. Poor health in the industrial workforce was a notable factor in exemptions, a further 7 were exempt for unspecified reasons. Rebecca also noted that, there was a fall in the general mortality rates in the population, possibly due to improvements in living standards among the working population. Another very interesting look at how some of the preconceptions of the war don’t necessarily bear close examination.
4th May 2023: WIRRAL IN THE GREAT WAR, a talk by Steve Roberts
Steve opened his talk with some aspects of the misinterpretation of truth and myths In WW1, and the differences in the perception of the war at home and at the front. He spoke of the contrasts in outlook of those times compared with today, patriotism, religion and family recollections, coloured by contemporary literature, popular songs, and an absence of the “live” reporting we are used to today, all combining to support the view that, the “truth” of the war was withheld from the public. Steve cited many examples of newspapers openly publishing letters from the front, and a continual thirst for news stories about the war. He also challenged the perception that censorship was widespread and that illiteracy was common, pointing out that compulsory education in the UK had been the norm for over 40 years, coupled with a very efficient front postal system. Another perception he challenged, was that the nations had joined in a Holy cause, holding sacrifice and patriotism as an idealised form of martyrdom, when in fact the brother of Noel Chavasse decried these sentiments in a sermon, describing the war publicly as “cold, bloody murder”
Steve ended a very interesting talk, by concluding that largely, people at home did know the truth, and accepted it for what it was in the context of the standards of the time, a belief that was harshly re-examined during the following years of hardship and depression, particularly by ex servicemen and families who had been promised much and received little.
Steve opened his talk with some aspects of the misinterpretation of truth and myths In WW1, and the differences in the perception of the war at home and at the front. He spoke of the contrasts in outlook of those times compared with today, patriotism, religion and family recollections, coloured by contemporary literature, popular songs, and an absence of the “live” reporting we are used to today, all combining to support the view that, the “truth” of the war was withheld from the public. Steve cited many examples of newspapers openly publishing letters from the front, and a continual thirst for news stories about the war. He also challenged the perception that censorship was widespread and that illiteracy was common, pointing out that compulsory education in the UK had been the norm for over 40 years, coupled with a very efficient front postal system. Another perception he challenged, was that the nations had joined in a Holy cause, holding sacrifice and patriotism as an idealised form of martyrdom, when in fact the brother of Noel Chavasse decried these sentiments in a sermon, describing the war publicly as “cold, bloody murder”
Steve ended a very interesting talk, by concluding that largely, people at home did know the truth, and accepted it for what it was in the context of the standards of the time, a belief that was harshly re-examined during the following years of hardship and depression, particularly by ex servicemen and families who had been promised much and received little.
6th April 2023; A RUGBY CLUB AT WAR, a talk by Peter Threllfall
Peter introduced guests from the present Birkenhead Park Rugby Club, and thanked them for their support in his research. He then gave a short “potted” history of the club which was founded in 1871, the 79 names on the roll of honour, and how he and Judith became involved in researching them. Moving on to photographs of the members prior to WW1, many showing those who fell, he outlined their domestic and career backgrounds also their distinguished records of playing as nationals and internationals. At the outbreak of war, some 234 past and present club members volunteered, taking their first casualty as early as August 1914, James Crozier KIA on the 24th and England international Harry Alexander KIA, 17/10/1915. Of the 1906 /07 team, all of whom served, 7 did not return.
Peter went on to illustrate, with photographs, the service backgrounds of many who fell, up to and including their death and theatre of the war in which they served, including many of the memorials where they are named - again a very interesting and well researched talk on a local story, which has not been extensively known
Peter introduced guests from the present Birkenhead Park Rugby Club, and thanked them for their support in his research. He then gave a short “potted” history of the club which was founded in 1871, the 79 names on the roll of honour, and how he and Judith became involved in researching them. Moving on to photographs of the members prior to WW1, many showing those who fell, he outlined their domestic and career backgrounds also their distinguished records of playing as nationals and internationals. At the outbreak of war, some 234 past and present club members volunteered, taking their first casualty as early as August 1914, James Crozier KIA on the 24th and England international Harry Alexander KIA, 17/10/1915. Of the 1906 /07 team, all of whom served, 7 did not return.
Peter went on to illustrate, with photographs, the service backgrounds of many who fell, up to and including their death and theatre of the war in which they served, including many of the memorials where they are named - again a very interesting and well researched talk on a local story, which has not been extensively known