Heritage Lottery Funds the Boston Great War Commemoration Event to mark First World War Centenary

A final press release from Michael Hallett about the Boston Great War Commemoration before the event itself.

Heritage Lottery Funds the Boston Great War Commemoration Event to mark First World War Centenary It is with the greatest of pleasures that I have the privilege to announce that after several months of hard work the Boston Great War Commemoration Society has received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), awarded through HLF's First World War: then and now programme. The Boston Great War Commemoration Event shall be held in the Boston Drill Hall on Main Ridge on August 2nd and 3rd. It is an entirely free event and we wish to encourage all to come along and visit. It was August 4th 1914 which saw Britain’s declaration of war against Germany; the lamps of Europe were certainly beginning to go out. Throughout the years of the conflict many young men enlisted into the armed forces, with many joining up as ‘Pals Battalions’ (although it was only in Lincolnshire which saw 'Chums' battalions), this occurrence echoed across the world. Lincolnshire like the other counties experienced a great deal of change throughout the war. But it was notable for several reasons. In Lincoln the first tank was created, Grantham was home to the Machine Gun Corps, and Boston was the home of a port which repatriated prisoners of war on both sides. It did not escape the bombs of the Zeppelin raids either! The event aims to commemorate the men of the Boston ‘C’ Company of the Lincolnshire Regiment which would have trained and assembled at the drill hall before marching out to war. It is quite fitting that the location is still connected to the military, being the base for the Army Cadet Force. Another purpose of the event is to connect the local history of Boston to the wider picture across the world. Boston Market Place, Recruiting March, September 1914 To this end The Boston Great War Commemoration Society has organised an exhibition. Upon arrival visitors will enter the main hall and be greeted by volunteer exhibitors and displays detailing the history of the First World War at both local and global levels. From the Zeppelin raids, the role of the port, the Royal Flying Corps and its connection to Freiston Shore, to the two Red Cross Hospitals situated in Boston, there is a great deal more I could mention. There will be lectures on varying aspects of the war, for those interested enough to attend. There will be an opportunity to consult military historians to help find ancestors who were in the war. Experience what life was like inside a trench as you walk through the trench display. Try on the soldiers’ kit and feel the weight of it upon your shoulders. Take a look at the 1/6 scale tank which is all-metal and all-moving. Once that’s all over relax with a cup of tea and a corned beef sandwich in the lounge area. With aid from professionals, the information gathered will be recorded digitally and an online archive will be created where everyone can access and contribute information. The archive will allow the public to discuss, contribute, share and research information about the Home Front. Research shall be done on all the war memorials in and around Boston, which shall be made into a book. The society is also more than willing to take our findings and artefacts into schools and groups to teach about Boston's involvement in the conflict. As stated the event aims to enhance the understanding of the First World War for all, particularly the history of Boston and its surrounding area. We are extremely happy to be working with some fantastic groups of people. Our thanks go out to 25 Platoon Boston Lincolnshire ACF for agreeing to use their drill hall for this event, to TAVRA East Midlands for all of their support, from the Heritage Lottery Fund, to the Boston Coastal Project, to all exhibitors and volunteers, and of course those who have supported us through other means. On the 2nd and 3rd of August an exhibition will take place in Boston which will no doubt be remembered for years to come. Please take the time to publicise this event for us, any help will be greatly appreciated. Kindest regards, Mr. Michael Hallett Project Co-ordinator The Boston Great War Commemoration Event 07702746642 historywithhallett@gmail.com