A DEDICATION ceremony has taken place for a new interpretation board which tells the story of First World War heroes from Warwickshire at a local landmark.
Rugby’s Mayor Bill Lewis and MP Mark Pawsey joined Ian Binnie of the Gallipolli Association and Dunsmore Living Landscape’s Lucy Hawker at the 29th Division Memorial island on the A45 at Stretton on Dunsmore.
The 29th Division Monument on the A45 at Stretton on Dunsmore.Also present were youngsters Jessica Scuffle and Sophie Gambling, whose poem ‘Krithia’ features on the board, and who laid a wreath to remember those of the ‘Incomparable 29th’ who gave their services during The Great War.
The board is the final part of restoration works which have taken place this year at the site as part of the Dunsmore Living Landscape scheme.
It explains the background behind the 29th Division Monument, and King George V’s visit to see the troops at Knightlow Hill in 1915, before they embarked for Gallipoli where they suffered heavy losses.
Replacing an older board that was by the side of the A45 itself, the new board is set back from the Fosse Way on a wide verge to allow safer viewing.
The interpretation board explains the background behind the 29th Division Monument, and King George V’s visit to see the troops at Knightlow Hill in 1915.Coun Lewis said: “It was an honour for me, as Mayor and First Citizen of Rugby, to be at the dedication of this new interpretation board.
“I am impressed with the poem composed by Jessica and Sophie.
“Congratulations to Ian Binnie and Lucy Hawker for what they have done to perpetuate the memory of the actions and sacrifices of the ‘Incomparable 29th’.”
Mark Pawsey said it was more important than ever to continue to remember the sacrifices of those who served, more than a century after the end of the First World War.
He said: “This new interpretation board will ensure that future generations will be able to read the story of the ‘Incomparable 29th’.
“I was delighted to be able to join the others to dedicate this board and I hope that its message, and Jessica and Sophie’s poem, will be read by many people in the coming years.”
Ian Binnie said the restoration project honoured the Gallipoli Association’s mantra to remember, honour and study the Gallipoli campaign.
He said: “Passers by will be able to learn more about the sacrifices and successes of the 29th Division in Gallipoli and subsequent campaigns, and the excellent relationship between the soldiers and the local civilians they were billeted with.
“As Gen Sir Ian Hamilton, the Commander in Chief of the British and ANZAC forces at Gallipoli said when he attended the dedication of the monument in 1921: ‘If you want to see a monument to tenacity you must not go to the Dardanelles. Come to Warwickshire and look here. The 29th Division had come here on a three month visit in 1915: now they are here to stay’.”
Lucy Hawker said: “My thanks go to everyone involved in this project, particularly the Gallipoli Association and Rugby Borough Council who have contributed to the funding of the new board alongside the National Lottery Heritage Fund.”
