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The Latest News and Updates About
Time For Remembrance... Send us Your Images and Stories of WW1 WW2 Timepieces for our Book. Remember Their Legacy in Time, forever! |
Going behind the big red brick wall.
On 7th July 2018, we spent a wonderful evening visiting the Wyvern Barracks in Exeter, Devon. We were treated to an evening of music, singing and history, primarily the history of the barracks itself, and the role it played since WW1 to date. The barracks is home to the reservist battalion '6 Rifles', and the station commander Lt Col Jon Penhale, came up with the idea to invite the public behind the imposing big red brick wall, to break down the figurative barrier between the army, and the rest of us, who have wondered what actually goes on there.
Part of the evening focussed on the First World War battle of Bois des Buttes, part of the Aisne offensive in May 1918, in which - what was then the 2nd Battalion the Devonshire Regiment - played a vital, and well-recognised, role. The concert then moved on to the regiment's Second World War service and its other activities up to the present day, which include front-line deployments to the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. It also portrayed the evolution of 6 Rifles, through the amalgamation of the Devon and Dorset regiments in 1958, and the creation of the large Rifles regiment through a further merger in 2007. 6 Rifles is The Rifles' Reserve Infantry Battalion of the South West.
The Army Cadet Force band, Wyvern Barracks' own Salamanca Band and Bugles (seen above), and the Isca Academy choir gave rousing performances. We also had a good old sing-along to old favourites such as ‘Pack up your Troubles' and ‘It's a long way to Tipperary'.
A great and stirringly traditional evening had by all.
On 7th July 2018, we spent a wonderful evening visiting the Wyvern Barracks in Exeter, Devon. We were treated to an evening of music, singing and history, primarily the history of the barracks itself, and the role it played since WW1 to date. The barracks is home to the reservist battalion '6 Rifles', and the station commander Lt Col Jon Penhale, came up with the idea to invite the public behind the imposing big red brick wall, to break down the figurative barrier between the army, and the rest of us, who have wondered what actually goes on there.
Part of the evening focussed on the First World War battle of Bois des Buttes, part of the Aisne offensive in May 1918, in which - what was then the 2nd Battalion the Devonshire Regiment - played a vital, and well-recognised, role. The concert then moved on to the regiment's Second World War service and its other activities up to the present day, which include front-line deployments to the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. It also portrayed the evolution of 6 Rifles, through the amalgamation of the Devon and Dorset regiments in 1958, and the creation of the large Rifles regiment through a further merger in 2007. 6 Rifles is The Rifles' Reserve Infantry Battalion of the South West.
The Army Cadet Force band, Wyvern Barracks' own Salamanca Band and Bugles (seen above), and the Isca Academy choir gave rousing performances. We also had a good old sing-along to old favourites such as ‘Pack up your Troubles' and ‘It's a long way to Tipperary'.
A great and stirringly traditional evening had by all.
'It is Vital to give each Shroud a Moment in Time'.
A strange mixture of sadness and an overwhelming sense of loss were some of the initial emotions felt visiting Rob Heard's 'Shrouds of The Somme' and his 'Trench' art installation, which has made a welcome return to Exeter after 2 years.
Cathy and I regrettably missed Rob's painstakingly brilliant work of art when it made its first appearance in Northernhay Gardens in Exeter, Devon England back in 2016. When we heard it was to return, we wasted no time visiting.
The following is an amended excerpt from https://shroudsofthesomme.com/our-story/the-trench/
The Trench.
Below is an image of a 2.3m high free-standing wooden trench designed by Shrouds artist Rob Heard in which the tens of thousands of Shrouds will be stacked. Visitors walking through will experience the immersive nature of this installation; it will generate incredibly powerful emotions, giving them a graphic sense of both being in a trench and what the large numbers of those killed really means. The names of those represented are displayed on the outside wall of The Trench.
Rob says, “The Shrouds in their original ‘Layout’ format give dignity and attention to detail, representing the individual who perished; which is very important, to be able to give scale to the loss. The Shrouds in the ‘Trench’ represent the mass loss – a much more uncomfortable and oppressive image of a huge amount of people crushed together. These numbers represent only those with no known grave – a fraction of those who died in the whole battle. The walk through the 50 metre Trench will be like nothing else.”
A strange mixture of sadness and an overwhelming sense of loss were some of the initial emotions felt visiting Rob Heard's 'Shrouds of The Somme' and his 'Trench' art installation, which has made a welcome return to Exeter after 2 years.
Cathy and I regrettably missed Rob's painstakingly brilliant work of art when it made its first appearance in Northernhay Gardens in Exeter, Devon England back in 2016. When we heard it was to return, we wasted no time visiting.
The following is an amended excerpt from https://shroudsofthesomme.com/our-story/the-trench/
The Trench.
Below is an image of a 2.3m high free-standing wooden trench designed by Shrouds artist Rob Heard in which the tens of thousands of Shrouds will be stacked. Visitors walking through will experience the immersive nature of this installation; it will generate incredibly powerful emotions, giving them a graphic sense of both being in a trench and what the large numbers of those killed really means. The names of those represented are displayed on the outside wall of The Trench.
Rob says, “The Shrouds in their original ‘Layout’ format give dignity and attention to detail, representing the individual who perished; which is very important, to be able to give scale to the loss. The Shrouds in the ‘Trench’ represent the mass loss – a much more uncomfortable and oppressive image of a huge amount of people crushed together. These numbers represent only those with no known grave – a fraction of those who died in the whole battle. The walk through the 50 metre Trench will be like nothing else.”
Cathy was privileged and delighted to meet Rob Heard the artist at Northernhay, and he was kind enough to let us exhibit his fabulous work in our website.
Each shrouded figure represents a British serviceman killed at the Somme who has no known grave, many of whose bodies were never recovered from the battlefields.
The following extract is by Rob, from https://shroudsofthesomme.com/our-story/
'Each of the 12 inch figures in a hand-stitched shroud is linked to a fatality at the Somme using records from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. “As I go through the process of putting the figure within the shroud, I cross a name off. It’s vitally important that each is associated with a name, otherwise the individual gets lost in the numbers.”
The initial 19,240 shrouded figures took Rob three years to craft. He has now begun creating an additional 60,000 shrouds so that each of the 72,396 British and Commonwealth servicemen whose bodies were never recovered from the Somme are represented. “All these men are laying on the battlefield to this day and in some small way I would like to bring them home“. He plans to complete this enormous challenge in time to display the shrouds in November 2018 to mark the Centenary of Armistice Day. “It would be like nothing else – 4000 square metres of bodies laid out in rows, where they will be seen by thousands of people, reminding them of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Rob told us; 'imagine in 100 years time, our names will not be read out in a roll of honour - time will forget us...but each of those brave soldiers left their legacy for us'.
Below are some of the wonderful volunteers providing their invaluable help with the installation.
The memorial in Rougemont Park to the fallen of WW1 can also be seen below.
3 brilliant volunteers that we met at Rougemont Park, Exeter. Left to right; Officer Cadet Webb, Rifleman Cadet Fry and Officer Cadet Walker Great job.
Rob's poignant words about time deserve highlighting;
'It is vital to give each Shroud a moment in time, where I hold it in my hands and remember the person it represents'
Thank you Rob, for your brilliant work and being kind enough to spend some of your day with us.
Time for Tea
They say everything stops for tea - except the War effort. Well, after a hard day's holidaying in mid June, we unexpectedly stumbled across 'The Victory Emporium and Tea Rooms' in Seaton, Devon, England..
Sue (pictured above) and Mark run this very nostalgic venue with an enthusiasm - and knowledge about WW2 - that was as refreshing as the cup of tea and snacks that they provided! They were so welcoming and even stayed open later just for us. Sue and Mark frequently receive visitors that relate fascinating and real life stories of their encounters during WW2. This is a must visit venue if you are in the area, and is most definitely a destination address.
They say everything stops for tea - except the War effort. Well, after a hard day's holidaying in mid June, we unexpectedly stumbled across 'The Victory Emporium and Tea Rooms' in Seaton, Devon, England..
Sue (pictured above) and Mark run this very nostalgic venue with an enthusiasm - and knowledge about WW2 - that was as refreshing as the cup of tea and snacks that they provided! They were so welcoming and even stayed open later just for us. Sue and Mark frequently receive visitors that relate fascinating and real life stories of their encounters during WW2. This is a must visit venue if you are in the area, and is most definitely a destination address.
Some of the intriguing exhibits to be found in the Victory Emporium Tea Rooms in Seaton, Devon, England.
Remembering our Heroes at Exeter Cathedral, Sunday 12th November 2017.
Last Remembrance Sunday, Steve and I attended a moving but very uplifting commemoration service at Exeter Cathedral.
Above, you can see members of the Royal Army Medical Corps, who were kind enough to take the time to remember along with us.
The Cathedral was filled with 34,000 poppies, each one representing a life taken during WW1, from Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall. Originally, it was to be only Devon that was represented in this way, but huge demand meant that all counties from the south west of England should be included.
Below; A beautiful carpet of 34,000 woven poppies adorning part of the Cathedral. The uniform seen on the right of the picture below, belonged to Private William George Herd, 'an ordinary man before the war begun'. Please zoom in and take some time to read about his personal war experiences.
Last Remembrance Sunday, Steve and I attended a moving but very uplifting commemoration service at Exeter Cathedral.
Above, you can see members of the Royal Army Medical Corps, who were kind enough to take the time to remember along with us.
The Cathedral was filled with 34,000 poppies, each one representing a life taken during WW1, from Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall. Originally, it was to be only Devon that was represented in this way, but huge demand meant that all counties from the south west of England should be included.
Below; A beautiful carpet of 34,000 woven poppies adorning part of the Cathedral. The uniform seen on the right of the picture below, belonged to Private William George Herd, 'an ordinary man before the war begun'. Please zoom in and take some time to read about his personal war experiences.
An 'Ace' Week in London...
I was lucky enough to have been treated by my Brother Rol for a day at the iconic Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club on Thursday 6th July 2017, for my...50th Birthday.
It turned out to be the hottest day on record during the Federer match, topping 43c, giving Death Valley in America a run for its money!
We visited the museum during the games of the day, and discovered some fascinating war-time facts about the tennis club. Cathy.
Wimbledon At War:
Even before the outbreak of the Second World War, wartime preparations were in full swing at the All England Club.
Already during The Championships in 1938, a shelter was in place underneath the tea lawn and there were plans for an ARP post to be set up in the Lost Properties Office.
On 31st August 1939, nursing sisters, the red cross and the St. John Ambulance moved in to the All England Tennis Club. The Fire Service, ARP and Civil Defence took up residence.
Outside the clubhouse, the London Irish and the First Battalion of the Welsh Guards used the main concourse as a parade ground! The car parks were ploughed up for vegetables, and a farmyard established. There were chicken, rabbits, geese, and even a donkey.
I was lucky enough to have been treated by my Brother Rol for a day at the iconic Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club on Thursday 6th July 2017, for my...50th Birthday.
It turned out to be the hottest day on record during the Federer match, topping 43c, giving Death Valley in America a run for its money!
We visited the museum during the games of the day, and discovered some fascinating war-time facts about the tennis club. Cathy.
Wimbledon At War:
Even before the outbreak of the Second World War, wartime preparations were in full swing at the All England Club.
Already during The Championships in 1938, a shelter was in place underneath the tea lawn and there were plans for an ARP post to be set up in the Lost Properties Office.
On 31st August 1939, nursing sisters, the red cross and the St. John Ambulance moved in to the All England Tennis Club. The Fire Service, ARP and Civil Defence took up residence.
Outside the clubhouse, the London Irish and the First Battalion of the Welsh Guards used the main concourse as a parade ground! The car parks were ploughed up for vegetables, and a farmyard established. There were chicken, rabbits, geese, and even a donkey.
images courtesy of The Wimbledon Museum.
Despite the threat of war in the summer of 1939, the tournament took place as usual. Little was it known at the time that six years would pass until The Championships once again took centre stage at the All England Club.
The presence of war quickly became felt at the Club. The Club Secretary Norah Gordon Cleather, remarked in her book Wimbledon Story:
‘It was when I first heard the metallic tramp of heavy feet in Army boots marching outside the All England Club and echoing on the floor of the members’ tea room, that I really realised that Wimbledon had gone to war’.
Although the Club remained open, The Championships was suspended for the duration of the war.
Kind courtesy of http://www.wimbledon.com
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Time for Play... Here are just a few of the beautifully crafted examples of timepieces and tennis memorabila from the Wimbledon Museum. The image above shows a very curious tennis partner! |
The Armed Forces have always played an invaluable part of the help, support and security during Wimbledon fortnight.
I would just like to say a big thank you to all those who made my day there all the better, and helped me cope with the blistering heat. Thank you. Cathy.
I would just like to say a big thank you to all those who made my day there all the better, and helped me cope with the blistering heat. Thank you. Cathy.
Tower Clock.
Continuing my visit to London, a trip to the Tower of London was of course necessary.
The image above depicts document like bronzes detailing the executions of spies that took place at the Tower during WW1. According to John Fraser, a Yeoman Warder in 1914:
"The prisoner [Carl Lody executed 6 November 1914] walked steadily, stiffly upright, and yet as easily and unconcerned as though he were going to a tea party, instead of to his death. "The procession disappeared through the doorway of the sinister shed and shortly after came the muddled sound of a single volley - Carl Lody had paid!" In November 1914, Carl Lody became the first person for more than 150 years to be executed in the Tower of London. He was one of 11 German spies who faced a firing squad at the famous London landmark during World War One. |
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Silent Memories
This remarkably emotive image is of the sculpture 'Silent Memories' by Johanna Domke-Guyot.
We met at the Dorset Steam Fair, and the initial effect of coming out of the bright sunlight into the gloom of the display area where the sculpture was exhibited was very dramatic. It demonstrated (albeit temporarily) the effect of coming to terms with being unsighted. Our eyes of course adjusted to the light levels, and this fabulous work of art revealed itself slowly. However, the point very well portrayed by Johanna, was that the darkness remained for these WW1 heroes, and remains for so many veterans now. The Blind Veterans Association @BlindVeterans is the National charity supporting blind ex-Service men and women veterans. If you wish to visit Johanna's website this is the link; http://www.johannadomke-guyot.com/index.php?route=information/contact
Tyneham Village – Frozen in Time 1943
We recently visited a little village in Dorset, a place called Tyneham. It was one of the most evocative and stirring places we have seen on our travels.
The absorbing story is best told by the excellent website relating to the village;
'... The village of Tyneham has been deserted for over 60 years. Before that it was an idyllic countryside village, located only a couple of miles from the sea and the delightfully picturesque Worbarrow Bay.
It had it’s own church, school, rectory, several farms and lots of cottages. It’s most prominent building was the grand mansion house called Tyneham House, or the Great House as it was also known.
Life for the villagers was idyllic and simple. Like many places in that era, there was no electricity or running water. However it was still a lovely place to live, free from the trouble and strife of the outside world.
So what happened to this quaint little village? Why did it’s inhabitants decide to leave?
Well, the villagers didn’t want to leave. After all who would want to leave such lovely homes in such a quiet and peaceful part of the Dorset countryside..
Unfortunately, the onset of World War 2 changed the lives of many people all around the world. On Christmas Eve 1943, the residents of Tyneham were about to join the millions whose lives would be turned upside down by the war.
Due to it’s proximity to the Lulworth firing ranges, the government decided to claim Tyneham village and much of it’s surrounding land as a place to train the allied forces. The villagers were told they must temporarily leave their homes for the greater good. Once the war was over, they would be allowed to return to their homes and continues on with their lives. As they packed up their belongings and left they pinned a note to the door of the village church which asked whomever took over the village to treat it with care...they expected to return one day, and thanked the reader for treating the village kindly.
However, until now, despite a number of high profile campaigns, the original residents have never been allowed to return to their homes. As only a small handful of the evacuees are still alive to this day, it remains unlikely that the government will release the village.
The village of Tyneham has remained as if frozen in time for the last 60 years.'
http://tynehamvillage.org/a-brief-history-of-tyneham/
The Tyneham school house clock. We are uncertain if it records the very time the villagers abandoned the village but the mood within the schoolroom was quite chilling.
WW1 'Padre' Neil at the Dorset Steam Fair, interrupting his cup of char to talk about his interest in WW1 and how it came about. He was also only too happy to discuss our forthcoming book.
Time For Tea Vicar !
Cathy and I visited the Dorset Steam Fair on 26 August 2016, and found ourselves in the trenches...along with 'Padre' Neil here.
Even though we had missed the last tour time, Neil was kind enough to give us a personal guided tour of the replica trenches, and he didn't even mind us interrupting his cup of char in his tent to have a chat about our forthcoming book. Note Neil is sporting his replica trench watch (he didn't want to wear the original...they tend to get damaged during bombardments!)
We also discussed our forthcoming book and he was very helpful, informing us that he would be only too willing to contribute anything 'time' related that he could! PLEASE SEE OUR SHOUT OUT BELOW!
We also met up with the charming Jane, of the Western Front Association @TheWFA who was dressed in period uniform for the occasion. Jane has been running and supporting the Association for over 30 years.
'Founded in 1980, The Western Front Association (WFA) aims to further interest and understanding in The Great War (the First World War) of 1914-1918'. Steve McAnespie
TIME FOR REMEMBRANCE...THE BOOK!!
We are now aiming to have our first book published later in 2018, and We still need your help!
Unbelievably, our website, has been up and running for some 4 years already . Now, we are looking for your contributions of images of timepieces that belonged to your Dad, Grandfather, Mum, Grandmother, or anyone that served with the armed forces during World War One, World War Two, and any other conflict, to be included within our forthcoming book.
All we need is a picture of the Watch or Clock or any other scientific instrument connected with WW1, WW2 - or any other conflict - that they owned, plus any information you may have, and we will honour them by including an image in our book. We will also put a picture of your loved one in the book as well, if you wish us to. You might be the one chosen for the Front Cover!
If you would like to contribute, and remember a loved one in our book, and help preserve their legacy in Time, please contact us on Twitter @PrimeTimeExeter or Steve, at stevemac57@btinternet.com or Cathy at cathymc67@btinternet.com with a copy of the timepiece image and a brief story. Indeed, please also let us know if you are interested in purchasing a copy?
We very much look forward to hearing from you, and receiving your contributions. Thanks.
Lest We Forget.
More images of the WW1 reconstruction that took place at the Dorset Steam Fair.
Apologies to the 2 dashing chaps here...didn't get the time to catch their names, they were so busy cooking up the rations.
However, they were kind enough to take time for our Heroes. Note the perfectly posed trench watch...again a replica (the original would have been worth considerably more.)
However, they were kind enough to take time for our Heroes. Note the perfectly posed trench watch...again a replica (the original would have been worth considerably more.)