5 August 2014

THE GREAT WAR EXHIBITION -6 August to 29 November 2014

Cleckheaton Library

As part of the Spenborough Branch commemorations of The Great War, it was decided to develop a display covering, in a concise way, aspects of the war from 1914 to 1919.

We also had of course to cover the exploits of our local Cleckheaton Territorials, E Company, 1/4th Battalion Duke of Wellingtons Regiment, who fought with such distinction on the Western Front.

This was of course going to take quite a bit of space, so an approach was made to Cleckheaton Library who from the outset were delighted to host the event and most helpful in our preparations.

We had the ideas, we had the venue, but since the Branch is unable to fund non-welfare activities, we were fortunate in being awarded a grant from Kirklees Council's Spen Valley Area Committee.

A partnership with The Imperial War Museum enabled us to draw on their resources, particularly with respect to photographs.

Our Branch military historian, Charlie Turpin, used his in-depth knowledge of our local men in the Cleckheaton Territorials section of the display, as well as providing many original battlefield artefacts.

We were also delighted to have help from two other sources, whose contribution greatly enhanced the interest and visual aspect of the exhibition. Firstly was the loan of the picture from Grove United Reform Church, Gomersal. This depicts the men who worshipped at Providence Place Chapel in Cleckheaton and who lost their lives in the conflict. When Providence Place ceased to be a place of worship, the picture was removed to Grove Chapel.

Secondly, we had a picture of a "wheeled stretcher" given to The Cleckheaton Territorials in 1914 by the local Leather family. Branch Secretary, David Walker, took responsibilty to find a local school to manufacture this.

Batley Business and Enterprise College took up the challenge and the Head of Technology, Mr Curt Farrar and his year 9 students produced the stretcher, which formed a centrepiece of the exhibition. This was complemented by a 1914 style nurses uniform made by Mrs Sandra Bradley.

Official opening day was scheduled for 5 August 2014 at 2.30pm before an audience of invited guests.

The exhibition was opened by Major General (retd) The Honourable Jonathan D Shaw CB, CBE, MA(Oxon), Late Parachute Regiment.

(Apparently, Major Generals are allowed to wear their uniform for up to three years after their retirement date and this was the very last occasion that Maj Gen Shaw would be entitled to do it).

The Principal Guests were: The Mayor and Mayoress of Kirklees, Councillor Ken Smith and Mrs Christine Smith, The Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr Gordon Tollefson (in an unofficial capacity and as a friend of the Branch), Lord Shaw of Northstead DL, JP, and Lady Shaw, Kirklees Councillors David Hall, Lisa Holmes, Viv Kendrick, John Lawson, Andrew Palfreeman and Elizabeth Smaje.

Other Principal Guests were The County President, South and West Yorkshire, The Royal British Legion Mr Robert Mortimer, District Commissioner, Spen Valley Scouts Mr Mike Terry and The Past National Chairman, The Royal British Legion, Mr Robert Scaife CBE, JP.

The Branch Chairman, Mr Eddie Morton gave the welcoming address with a theme of continuity and of remembrance.

He particularly mentioned the Mowat family, whom most local people will remember and the continuity that runs through to the present day.

The Officer Commanding the 1/4th Battalion, Duke of Wellingtons was Lieutenant Colonel Sir Alfred Law Mowat, Bart, DSO, OBE, MC, DL, JP.

His father, Sir John Gunn Mowat donated Cleckheaton Library where the exhibition was held (not to mention all the books within it and the land it stands on).

Lt Col Mowat's daughter, Lady J Shaw was a distinguished Guest at the opening and is an active member of The Women's Section, Spenborough Branch, The Royal British Legion.

The final connection was made with our official opener Maj Gen (retd) Jonathan D Shaw, son of Lord and Lady Shaw and Grandson of Lt Col Sir Alfred L Mowat.

In His opening address, Major General Shaw, quoted passages from the Battalion's history and the part played by both his grandfather Sir Alfred and great uncle John Graham Mowat.

When Lt Col Mowat brought the cadre of the 1/4th Battalion home to Halifax on 18 June 1919 he gave a short address to his remaining men, which Maj Gen Shaw quoted in full:

"The Battalion will now pass to another command and I take this opportunity of thanking the men for their loyalty to me, to the Regiment and to the town and district they have represented. Those of us who have been spared to come through this great conflict hold a very special trust. We must ever remember the comrades we have left lying on the battlefields of France and Flanders. Let us try to prove worthy of their sacrifice. They have died that we might live; and on our return to civilian life we must continue to serve our country, our town and our homes in the same spirit of loyalty, cheerfulness and trust that pulled us through four years of war. If you do that you can look to the future with happiness, certain that your great efforts of the last few years have not been in vain".

Maj Gen Shaw declared the Great War Exhibition open.

Latest news (27 Sept): At the request of the Library, because of the interest generated, the opening period has been extended from 29 September until 29 November 2014.

Click on a thumbnail below to see the photo gallery.