THE VILLAGE of Charlton remembered residents who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War with an evening of events.
‘Charlton Remembers’ saw an exhibition of a range of First World War artefacts from helmets, both British and German, shells and mortar casings, wire cutters, picks and shovels, bayonets and rifles.
Medals and ‘dead man’s pennies, the bronze memorial plaques sent to the next of kin of those who had died were also showcased during the poignant evening.
Villagers were also invited to share their own families’ wartime stories and memorabilia during the evening which was supported by a First World War centenary grant from Wychavon District Council.
Amateur First World War historian Julian Hawley of Charlton prepared a very interesting talk about each man listed on Charlton’s War Memorial inside the local church.
Those attending learnt about where exactly they had lived in the village, their families and the details of their involvement and subsequent sad demise in the war.
Charlton villagers had signed up to serve in the Worcestershire Regiment, but others served in different regiments and also the Navy.
They served and died in Turkey, Northern France, Iraq, India and on the little known Italian front, as well as the North Sea protecting the Northern British ports.
They suffered in the most appalling conditions, some due to heat or marsh or cold, mud and wet. And some died later due the effects of the war.
A village spokesperson said: “Hearing their stories brought home the individual and family anguish of the suffering during the
First World War and it was a fitting way to remember their sacrifice 100 years on, even though we did not know them personally.”
