They fought a war so horrendous, people on both sides swore never to let war get so horrendous ever again. The use of chemical weapons, the ruthless officers and the lack of decent medical equipment meant this was a war people knew they weren't going to live through if they went. But went they did. I don't think anybody could command quite as much respect from me as the people who fought in that war, knowing what was at stake and what the cost could be. A hundred years on, it doesn't seem any less poignant. Always remember them. Always.
The Pals regiments joined up voluntarily in good faith, thinking it would be 'all over by Christmas' and it was a chance to escape the factory, mines and mills for a few months for an adventure on the the other side of the Channel when patriotism was a given and unquestioned. Imagine realising what you'd got yourself into when you got to the Front = the Germans in their concrete warm bunkers with electricity, and occupying the best vantage points for defence. You on the other hand are in a water'logged trench, shell-shocked, rats scurrying around your cold damp feet, mustard gas attacks a frequent occurence, and the firing squad if it all becomes too much for you, and you go AWOL.
My grandad served in WW1. He went to fight for King and Country (less said about that, the better) He like many was underage, the authorities knew it, but still allowed him to go....He was in France and managed to survive despite suffering a shrapnel injury to the chest. Still he, unlike many of his pals, came home and lived to a ripe-old-age...93...
The Hull pals on 13/11/16 actually attacked and took 3 lines of trenches only to find they had gone that far forward that the logistics and support could not reach them that they ended up where they started minus 100,s of men. Brave to the end the story alone pretty much sums up WW1 and the lack of movement. Can not believe politicians could not find a way to stop the slaughtering way before 1918. RIP
My grandad was a "professional soldier" already in the army prior to WW1. Served right through. Never spoke a word about it all his life. Not much fun when you're an inquisitive kid, then as you're older you learn why. Never forget the devastation it left back home either. I had a couple of maiden aunts who lost their sweethearts in that war and never moved on from that. Remained true to their lost love. Heartbreaking.
I had 5 members of family fight in the Great War (including the person I was named after), and all of them somehow lived through it, though all had passed before I was born. I respect nobody more than people who fought in those two world wars. I can't even imagine the horrors of what those poor souls had to endure. If anyone gets a chance, try and see the film 'They Shall Not Grow Old', a new film by Peter Jackson where he has restored old footage of World War One from the BBC and IWM to almost HD colour quality. I believe it is being shown on BBC Two on the 11th, so I recommend you don't miss it, as it is absolutely amazing and a fantastic tribute. I managed to see it at the BFI London Film Festival last month, and it was a humbling experience. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.
My Great-Grandad fought in this war. He did 'survive' it but the mental cost was so much he spent the rest of his life (50 years!) insane and committed to a psychiatric asylum before passing away in the 1960s. Just horrendous.
The birth of the Hull Pals started around where the KCOM is today. Recruitment opened at Wenlock Barracks on Anlaby Road on 1 Sept 1914 and raised the first Battalion, the 'Commercials' of one thousand men in just 5 days. The response was too much for the barracks so it switched to Hull City Hall where the second Battalion, the 'Tradesmen' was raised in 3 days. These first 2 Pals Battalions drilled on Walton Street and set up HQ in the Cricket Pavilion where the KCOM is now, they paraded on the City pitch at our original Anlaby Road ground. 4 Hull Pals Battalions were formed. They actually had a year of training before being sent to defend the Suez Canal in Egypt in November 15 then back to the Somme in March 1916 where they remained on the Western Front until final demob in May 1919. Heaviest losses were at Oppy Wood on 3 May 1917 after which they were reduced down to 2 battalions. The Pals supplemented the regular East Yorkshire Regiment. RIP lads.
My Grandad the man I was named after, was on the Subs. I've read a diary someone on his sub kept. It wasn't good reading. They sank Japanese junks day after day, not because they were a threat, but just because they might have been spies or something. His sub was part of the operation that sank a Japanese flagship upon its very first launch. It didn't even get out of the harbour. On a mission to some Island somewhere, they were told not to try treating the locals who had some terrible disease going around. He ignored that advice and contracted it himself, after trying to treat some children. He died in a hospital in England after been sent home for treatment himself. I'm proud and humbled to be named after him. Lest we forget
This is the first time I have been able to post about my great grandfather Charles Albert Herring. Until a few months ago he was just a name on a family tree, after a bit of research I know a bit more about another brave man who lost his life fighting for his country and my family. 11th Bn (2nd Hull Pals)East Yorkshire Regiment.(Hull Tradesmen) Died of wounds 13th December 1916. Age 27. Son of the late John and Sophia Herring; husband of the late C. A. Herring. Native of Hull RIP a great grandfather I never knew. please log in to view this image
My grandad was a Sergeant Major with the East Yorkshire Regiment, he signed up again after the war ended (serving mainly in Burma). He spoke very little about the war, other than frequently telling us that 'the only good Jap, is a dead Jap'. At his funeral just over ten years ago, EYR veterans turned up in full uniform, with flags and buglers. We had no idea they were coming, it was very moving.
Has special resonance for me when you see a grave, with a message from a child for their lost father; or you read or hear a snippet of their day, their time. Here are the young men… Heartbreaking.
I have no idea who from my family was involved but there must be some as every family has relatives who were there. When I have asked my parents about it no one opens up and it seems to be a taboo subject. I know my dad was in the Malaysian jungle fighting commies and later at Suez but he has never said any more than that. For other reasons Remembrance Day and the poppy appeal are dear to me. Reading other peoples accounts reminds me what its all about, people just ordinary people. Without wanting to go political the likes of Nemanja Matič trying to link the poppy to the NATO bombing of Serbia and James McClean (Stoke player) connecting the poppy with the Irish troubles have got it wrong, its about remembering all the people.
My grandad fought in Gallipoli - he was shot in the shoulder by a Turk who then ran him all the way through with a bayonet - I remember him showing both wounds on his body - another soldier dived on top of him to save him but he was killed thereby covering my grandad - my grandad passed out but came through on a ship in the Med sometime later having been found among the dead - those that died and fought deserve total respect
My Grandad fought in WW1, died just off Spring Bank in 1941. ARP duties. I never met him, but I have his name.
