Tanks, A Soldier Returns to La Boisselle and marking 100 years.

 Clatter of tracks at No.fifty6

Julie and David are delighted to announce the arrival of a new addition to the no.fifty6 family – Old Sparky.  Following a chance conversation with guest Ian Mould, a concept was developed for a gate guardian at No.fifty6. The realization is a quarter scale replica of a British MkIV tank. Ian delivered the tank, which weighs 110kg in March. Every track component has been hand crafted in aluminium, other components include stainless steel, marine plywood, Lewis guns sourced from the Far East via the internet, broom handles and good old fashioned British engineering courtesy of Ian.   The detail is quite outstanding. In No.56 livery nestling on sandbags, Old Sparky stands proudly looking out over Mash Valley. And why Old Sparky?  The name is a tribute to Julie’s Great Uncle, Reginald William Sparkes of the 13^th Battalion Essex Regiment who died in the battle of Cambrai in the German counter attack on 30th November 1917 in the Canal du Nord area. He has no known grave.

 Ian installing Old Sparky

Ian Mould says, "The tank is definitely a one off. I enjoyed making it and it received a lot of comments from my friends as he took shape over the months and his progress appeared in photos on Facebook". From conception in August to delivery in March an astonishing 8 months work with amazing attention to detail courtesy of Ian. 

Luke Dodd - Northumberland Fusilier

Recent guests Brian and Margaret Havery from Nottinghamshire returned for their second visit to the Somme and kindly donated the original photograph of Brian’s grandfather Luke Dodd of the 4^th Battalion Tyneside Scottish, Northumberland Fusiliers in uniform. Luke, just 18,  was wounded on 1^st July 1916 in La Boisselle, survived a further gunshot wound and was gassed on 3 occasions. His fight continued after the war to receive a medical war pension. A coalminer he moved from Northumberland to Nottinghamshire and raised a family and future generations have continued to serve their community, led by Luke's example.  He lived to a good age and Brian has fond memories of his grandfather. On their first visit to The Somme Brian and Margaret walked in Luke’s footsteps with David, retracing his time in La Boisselle 100 years ago.  Luke’s is one of the stories of those who survived the bloody onslaught in La Boisselle, but bore the legacy of war for the rest of their lives. We would like to thank Brian and Margaret for their gift of Luke’s photo and papers. They said “having him here in La Boisselle, with you retelling his story, he will live on to those who come to the Somme.   

Centenary Commemorations

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport in the UK have put out to tender for an event management company to deliver the 1st July 2016 commemorative events at Thiepval.  As so many people are expected, the event may be ticket only, with large screens placed in Albert and other locations for people to watch.  There are also plans for a candlelit vigil the night of June 30^th 2016 at Thiepval for descendants of those commemorated there. Again this is expected to be ticket only.  It was also announced this week that the Queen will be attending commemorative events on The Somme on 1^st July 2016.

 Thiepval

 Ovillers La Boisselle One Hundred Years ago

As we continue to commemorate the centenary of the Great War what was happening in our Commune during April 1915?

On Good Friday (April 2^nd 1915) French artillery began a massive bombardment of the Commune which resulted in German soldiers being buried alive as their dugouts collapsed.  During the night French flares illuminated the remains of La Boisselle with German officers describing the scene as “eerie and barren with only the remains of the church still visible”.

French soldier killed in Ovillers La Boisselle laid to rest in Ovillers Cemetery

As the month continued fighting increased in intensity at the Ilot (Glory Hole) as the Germans desperately attempted to destroy the French trenches, whilst in the village, troops and supplies were moved out to prevent further losses due to French artillery bombardment. Field kitchens were relocated to Contalmaison with meals being transported by hand or on horseback to the German Front Line. Drinking water was in short supply and new wells were dug in Ovillers to satisfy the needs of men and horses.

Poignant and Educational or Crass Commercialism?

With Anzac Day approaching on 25^th April, following on from the UK Sainsbury’s Christmas 2014 Christmas Truce advertisement, here is something in a similar vain to commemorate Gallipoli.

https://youtu.be/45s2cQJp2Jk

May we wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Easter.