NEWSLETTER ISSUE 11
August 2011
Update:
This bumper edition of the newsletter contains details of upcoming
Remembrance events, services and parades, as well as the usual updates
and articles. Thank you to everyone who sent me details of local events for the
month of Remembrance; please see our poster requesting your photos for a new
gallery; Leicestershire Remembers: A Portrait of Remembrance in 2011
enclosed.
This edition also focuses on the progress of the Project, including the current
condition survey of all freestanding memorials in the County, and brings to your
attention some new publications, the new local branch of the Western Front
Association and some events at Donington le Heath Manor House, including
one with a Great War theme, this Saturday, and another with a National Service
1946-1966 theme later in the month. Come along and share your memories.
News:
The Project website is currently being
updated and improved, to allow new
search functions and to allow us to
include even more information in the
records. Please be aware that while this development is being carried out the
website may work a little slower. We hope that the work will be finished by the
end of the year. One exciting feature of the work is to allow photographs and
other document formats to be added to individuals' records, so we will be able to
upload those already sent to us and then ask your help in finding more
photographs of our servicemen and servicewomen.
Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, Jackie
Dickinson, has chosen the Royal British Legion as her
chosen charity for her term of office. Please support the
Poppy Appeal in its 90th Anniversary year, and take part in
this year's special 11/11/11 commemorations. If you would
like to learn more about the Royal British Legion's history
and work in Leicestershire over the last 90 years, see
some of the discoveries made by Margaret Bonney and
the Record Office on their 90 Years of Caring and
Campaigning website at www.leics.gov.uk/britishlegion
The War Memorials Trust have launched their In
Memoriam 2014 project and are now accepting
applications. The project offers SmartWater solution to
war memorial custodians free of charge. SmartWater is a
forensic liquid that can help to protect memorials at risk
from theft and damage.
To find out more, visit www.inmemoriam2014.org
or contact the Project Officer, Annette Gaykema on
07990 936 276 or enquiry@inmemoriam2014.org
The Leicestershire and Rutland branch of the Western Front Association
held their inaugural meeting at New Walk museum on 21st October. Although I
was unable to attend, the branch Chairman, Dr John Sutton was kind enough to
let me know that the meeting went extremely well, with over 50 people in
attendance including the Lord Mayor. Michael Doyle also attended, to speak
about his work and his very generous contribution of data to the War Memorials
Project. The next meeting will be held on 21st November, also in the Lord
Mayor’s Room at New Walk Museum, Leicester, and all are welcome. If you are
interested to find out more, or to join the branch, please see their new website,
currently under construction at www.leicestershireandrutlandwfa.com
Events:
There are lots of events coming up during the month of Remembrance. Thank
you to everyone who sent me details. Please help to spread the word about local
events, and if you can, remember to take photographs for our new
Leicestershire Remembers online gallery launching 14th November.
SOON! Saturday 5th November, Cotesbach, 12 noon
In 2009 Cotesbach became home to a Rolls-Royce Merlin 724-1C engine, which
was fired up successfully for the first time on 8th March 2009. They will be firing
the engine at 11.45am for 12 noon in the Stable Yard, Cotesbach on Saturday 5th
November. For more details, and the history of this special engine, see the
separately-enclosed booklet.
SOON! Sunday 6th November, Donington Le Heath
Manor House 11am-4pm
“And their Country Found them Ready…”
The Great War Remembered
DONINGTON le HEATH MANOR HOUSE
SUNDAY, 6th November 2011
11 am – 4 pm
Explore life on the battle front and the Home Front during World War One,
with Leicestershire Regiment and Royal Naval re-enactors, songs and
poems and children’s crafts. Plus…find out more about your war time
relatives with the Leicestershire and Rutland War Memorials Project
database.
ADMISSION FREE
For further information telephone (01530) 831259
Donington le Heath Manor House is on the south-west edge of Coalville, between Hugglescote
and Ibstock.
It is open 7 days a week from 11.00am – 4 pm. There is a free car park and also a gift shop.
Classics Tea Room open every day 11am to 4pm serving home made cakes, light meals and
refreshments.
SOON! Tuesday 8th November, Narborough Parish Centre, 7.30pm
Join the first meeting of the Narborough and Littlethorpe Heritage Society at the
Narborough Parish Centre on Tuesday 8th November at 7.30 p.m. which will
include a talk entitled "Narborough & Littlethorpe's Fallen of the Great War."
2011 Remembrance Services/Parades with a Deputy Lieutenant attending
Branch/Organiser
Anstey
Ashby
Barwell
Belton
Birstall
Blaby
Blaston
Braunstone
Broughton Astley
Buckminster
Coalville
Corah – St Margaret’s
Croft
Harston/Belvoir
Hinckley
Hose/Harby
Hungarton
Husbands Bosworth
Ibstock
Kegworth
London
Loughborough
Lutterworth
Market Bosworth
Market Harborough
Medbourne
Melton Mowbray *
Mountsorrel
North Kilworth
Queniborough
Quorn
Ratby
Sileby
Thurmaston
Thurnby
Twyford
Victoria Park, Leicester
Waltham on the Wolds
Whitwick
*The Lord-Lieutenant, Lady Gretton, will be attending the Remembrance Service
at Melton Mowbray’s Egerton Lodge Terrace memorial.
Armistice Day Events:
11/11/11: Remembrance event at Rothley Parish Church, 7.30pm
11/11/11: Film Show & Coffee Evening, Husbands Bosworth Church Hall,
7.30pm
Church members of All Saints Church, Husbands Bosworth are hosting a film
show and coffee evening on Friday, November 11th at 7.30pm in the Church
Hall, Honeypot Lane, Husbands Bosworth. The presentation is in celebration of
the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Husbands Bosworth & District Branch
of the Royal British Legion and the dedication of the village War Memorial. There
will be a short film on the Battle of the Somme and the building of the Theipval
Memorial and also a PowerPoint presentation about walking the WWI battlefields
today. Everyone is welcome to join us for this event. Proceeds from the evening
will be in aid of the Royal British Legion.
11/11/11: Armistice Day Service, Loughborough Carillon
10.45am a short service at the Carillon to mark Armistice Day.
(Details of the Remembrance Day Service and Parade below).
11/11/11: Armistice Day Service, Wigston Peace Memorial
Park
10.45am start
11/11/11: ‘Lest We Forget’ at Fosse Library,
Mantle Road, Leicester, 10am
From 10am – 11.30am at the Fosse Library, join in a
Remembrance event about the fallen from the Fosse
Community. This features research being done by
volunteers on the Mantle Road School roll of honour.
Thanks to Valerie Clarke for letting me know about
this event.
The Mantle Road school memorial featured in the
report on ‘at risk’ memorials by Denis Kenyon in the
previous newsletter. You can see from the image that
part of the memorial (names under the Leicestershire
Regiment section) is torn and missing. This
community event will showcase what local people
have been able to find out. If you have connections
with the area, you may be able to help them find out
more!
Remembrance Day Events:
Sunday 13th November: Moira War Memorial, Bath Lane, and Albert Village
Memorial Clock, both 11am
Ashby Woulds Town Council will conduct an Act of Remembrance at the Bath
Lane war memorial obelisk on behalf of residents of Moira, Norris Hill and
Boothorpe. At the same time, an Act of Remembrance will be conducted at Albert
Village Memorial Clock on behalf of Albert Village and Spring Cottage residents.
Acts of Remembrance will last a few minutes with wreaths being laid by the
Mayor and Deputy Mayor. You are invited to join the Mayor, Tony Allan for
tea/coffee afterwards at Conkers (Waterside).
Sunday 13th November: Loughborough Remembrance Day Parade and
Service
Parade starts at 10.30am from John Storer House. To sign up for the Carillon
Chimes newsletters produced by the Carillon War Memorial Museum, please
email carillonmuseum@gmail.com
Sunday 13th November: Shepshed Remembrance Day Parade and Service
You are invited to assemble from 2.45pm outside the
Council Office/Community Centre, Charnwood Road
where the procession will leave at 3.00pm prompt. The
procession will then parade down Charnwood Road along
Field Street and Glenmore Park for a 3.15pm Service (on
the hardstanding tarmac area). Refreshments in the
Community Centre on Charnwood Road following the
Service – everyone is welcome to attend. If you require
any further information, please do not hesitate to contact
Clerk to the Council, Brenda Snape on 01509 508872 or
via email Shepshed.towncouncil@btinternet.com
Sunday 13th November: Burbage Remembrance Day Service, 10.45am
Please also see the order of service enclosed separately.
Sunday 13th November: South Wigston, Oadby and Wigston Remembrance
Day Services and Parades
South Wigston 9.45am at St Thomas the Apostle Parish Church, St Thomas’
Road, South Wigston
Wigston 10.45am All Saints Church, Bushloe End, Wigston. Parade and Service
(Parade starts 10.30am).
Oadby 3pm St Peter’s Church, Wigston Road, Oadby. Parade and Service
(Parade starts 2.30pm).
Sunday 13th November: Swepstone Remembrance Day Service
Sunday 13th November: Sapcote Remembrance Day Service and coffee
morning
Following the Sapcote Remembrance Day Service at 11am at the war memorial
cross will be a coffee morning held in the Church Hall. This will feature postcards
of soldiers from the area, including casualties. If you have connections with the
area or may be able to help identify some of the servicemen, please go along.
Saturday 19th November: Donington le Heath Manor House
If you did National Service between 1946 and 1966,
please come along to an event at Donington le Heath
Manor House on 19th November, where reenactors will be
bringing to life the experiences of people like you.
Donington is keen to talk to you about your National
Service, and record your memories.
Poster on the following page:
“Stand by your beds!”
The exploits of National Servicemen and the
British Armed Forces 1946 – 1966.
DONINGTON le HEATH MANOR HOUSE
Saturday, 19th November 2011
11 am – 4 pm
A small scale event with veterans, re-enactors, presentations and displays
exploring the often forgotten campaigns of the British Army, Navy and Air Force
in trouble spots around the globe, including Kenya, Korea, Cyprus, Suez, Aden
and the jungles of Malaya and Borneo. Discover the life of the many thousands of
young National Servicemen who were conscripted for 18 months to 2 years from
1947 to 1960 to do their bit to help the British Armed Forces in the post war and
Cold War era.
If you were a National Serviceman or know the story of one please come along,
meet some old comrades and share your experiences.
ADMISSION FREE
For further information telephone (01530) 831259
Donington le Heath Manor House is on the south-west edge of Coalville, between Hugglescote
and Ibstock.
It is open 7 days a week from 11.00am – 4 pm. There is a free car park and also a gift shop.
Classics Tea Room open every day 11am to 4pm serving home made cakes, light meals and
refreshments.
Previous Events:
Saturday 27th August: Rutland County Museum ‘Belton at War’ Exhibition
The Exhibition by the
Belton History Society
held at Rutland County
Museum in Oakham
was a great success.
Based on the research
done for their Journal
(Volume 4), the
exhibition on was
opened on Saturday
27th August by Mr Peter
Lawson, High Sheriff of
Rutland.
Congratulations to Belton History Society for all their hard work!
Copies of the Belton at War Journal are still
available from the Society, please see their
website for details
www.rutlandhistory.org/belton-history-society
Tuesday 25th October: County Hall Reception to Commemorate 90 Years of
the Royal British Legion in Leicestershire
A project being run by
Margaret Bonney at the
Record Office was celebrated
at County Hall.
The project has included oral
histories, branch celebration
events, and the discovery of
archive and collections
materials that have been
digitised for the project
website.
The project, called 9 Decades of Caring and Campaigning, was launched to find
out more about Leicestershire branches and their activities over the last 90 years
to help the Royal British Legion celebrate its 90th Anniversary.
To find out more, visit www.leics.gov.uk/britishlegion
Conservation News:
This map shows some of the freestanding war memorials so far visited during our
condition survey. You can see that none of those so far visited are in the 'At Risk'
(red) category. Only 4 are considered to need some kind of minimal maintenance
work (amber) and the rest are Not at Risk. The survey is helping us to identify
memorials that are in most need of conservation, which helps us to prioritise the
allocation of grant money. As soon as possible we will be reporting the results of
each survey to the Parish Council or County Councillor for that area. We hope to
keep finding that in most cases this alert will be good news!
Not At Risk
To be Watched
At Risk
We are also happy to report that Leicester City Council have recently carried out
repairs and maintenance to the Boer War Memorial in Town Hall Square,
Leicester, and the War Memorial Arch in Victoria Park, with advice from the
War Memorials Trust.
Publications:
Andrew Ward has written a 32 page
booklet under the title ‘How Lutterworth
got its War Memorial’. It is being sold at
£3 by the Lutterworth British Legion
(who will get all the proceeds) in the runup to Remembrance Day.
Andrew will be bringing copies of his
booklet to the Great War event at
Donington le Heath Manor House on
Sunday 6th November.
If you are also interested in bringing
memorial-related publications to offer
for sale at this event, please contact
me about space in the marquee: Liz
Blood 0116 3056187
liz.blood@leics.gov.uk
Article: (Many thanks to Michael!)
Researching the Fallen by Michael Hurt
Research continues into the men and boys who died during the Great War of
1914-1918 from Castle Donington, Hemington and Lockington.
Michael Hurt was born in Castle Donington and became
interested in the names of the fallen when he used to catch
the bus to school besides the war memorial on High Street.
He started researching the soldiers more than six years
ago and travels to the battlefields several times a year. He
has recently returned from the Somme, where he walked
the battlefield which saw Private George Clayton killed in
action whilst attacking a German held trench in September
1916.
More than 95 years after the Somme battles, relics from the fighting are easily
visible around this area, which were once German held trenches and saw fighting
that claimed so many British and German lives. Battlefield finds included:
numerous 18 pounder British shrapnel balls, British .303 rifle ammunition, live
No5 Mill’s Bombs (hand grenades), Mill’s Bomb fragments, German barbed wire,
a live German 1917 Eirehandgrenate (egg grenade), several live 1915
Grenatenwerfer (‘Priest’ Mortar rounds), a British Short, Magazine, Lee Enfield
rifle (SMLE) and numerous unexploded shells of various calibres, which are
collectively known as the ‘Iron Harvest’.
British Shrapnel balls, bullets and live No. 5 Mills Bomb
(Left to Right) Live 18 pounder shell, 1917 German Eirehandgrenate (Egg
Grenade), and 1915 German Grenatenwerfer (Priest Mortar)
Researching the fallen from Castle Donington has now extended to anyone who
fought in WWI, the home front, the Cavandish Bridge VAD hospital and the
Donington Hall PoW camp for German officers.
Following the publication of Michael’s last article, a local resident contacted him to say
that she had in her possession, a letter written by a German officer wishing to court a
local woman. The letter, written in perfect English and in the most polite way, asks if the
officer could continue to write to the woman in question. It has yet to be discovered how
the German knew of the woman’s existence, let alone how he got a letter to her from the
prison! Michael will now research this officer.
Donington Hall was surrounded by controversy during the war because of the alleged
luxuries the German’s received, saw the only German to successfully escape British
captivity and get back to Germany and also housed a very famous German spy. The
Americans sought to bring the German spy to justice after discovering he was
responsible for acts of espionage in the USA before it entered the war.
(Left to Right) Serre Road No. 2 British Cemetery, Thiepval Memorial to the
missing of the Somme, and Redan Ridge No 2 Cemetery
Researching the war memorial has brought many challenges, such as three men on the
war memorial who had emigrated to Australia, South Africa and Canada respectively.
There have been several surprises; including some men who at first had the most
tenuous links to the village. One of these was a man who’s brother was also killed in the
war but is not on the Castle Donington war memorial, is not on the war memorial where
he was living, is not on the memorial where he was born or where his parents moved to
after the war. After writing to four or five Parish Councils and requesting photographs of
several memorials, the mystery was finally solved. Both men appear on a war memorial
together near to where their father was employed as a chauffeur, at a large hall during
the war.
Michael is now designing a website in
order to assist people with researching
soldiers and those planning tours to the
battlefields. He aims to publish this site
by Christmas.
If anyone has any information on
soldiers who fought during the Great
War of 1914-1918 from either Castle
Donington, Hemington or Lockington,
Michael would be very pleased to hear
from you. He can be contacted at
findoursoldier@gofast.co.uk or on
07970-619929.
Castle Donington war memorial
Memorial highlight: St Saviours Church WW1 Memorial
As most of you know, our project has not been able so far to capture memorials
within Leicester City in as much detail as in the County. City memorials are being
researched, however, by some of the War Memorials Trust’s regional volunteers,
and if you are looking for information on City memorials, please do get in touch
with me and I will contact them if necessary.
We do hold a brief record of City memorials, largely drawn from the UK National
Inventory of War Memorials, which is in a searchable PDF format on our website
at www.leics.gov.uk/warmemorials_citymemorials
That said, I would like to include some information here that was sent into me by
Mr. Chris Stephens, relating to the St Saviours war memorial. The memorial in
the church was wall mounted, and the names on it, I am informed, are now
almost illegible. Chris and his colleague, Mr. George Thomas, have drawn up a
near-complete transcription of names, which I enclose a copy of on the following
pages. You may find some names that you have been looking for.
I have not yet been able to type up the document that follows, but will get there in
time!
Can you help…?
Three post-1945 names have recently been volunteered to Cllr Boulter for
inclusion on a memorial in Wigston. Can you tell us any more about these
individuals?
Tom Jack (Egypt 1952)
Shaun Nicholas Lanston (Cyprus 1989)
Arthur Edward Ablett (no date)
The only person I have so far been able to learn a little more about is Shaun
Nicholas Lanston. I believe this was Guardsman Lanston of the 2nd Battalion
Coldstream Guards, service number 24757993. Born 29th August 1967 and died
20th November 1989 aged 22. His name is on the National Memorial Arboretum
wall at Alrewas. According to the website of the Coldstream Guards memorial, he
was 'Tragically killed in a road accident on the Troodos Mountains' alongside 7
comrades killed in the same incident. I do not know of his Leicestershire
connection. If you can tell us any more, please get in touch.
Heroes Return 2 – a Big Lottery Fund grant scheme:
As ever, if you have anything you would like to be included in coming
newsletters, please contact the project at warmemorials@leics.gov.uk or call 0116
3056187.
Best wishes,
Liz Blood
Heritage Support and War Memorials Officer
Room 400, Penn Lloyd Building, County Hall, Glenfield, Leicestershire, LE3 8RA
0116 3056187
Liz.Blood@leics.gov.uk