Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day, falls on 11 November every year and marks the pivotal day when World War One ended; 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918.
A two-minute silence is held at 11am on Armistice Day to remember the people who have died in wars. Remembrance Sunday is also marked each year on the second Sunday in November.
We will remember them. Least we forget.
The Home Effort
The Southport War Comforts Committee
This reminder of the home effort in supporting soldiers and the wounded is housed in The Atkinson’s social history collection.
The Southport War Comforts Committee desire to express their hearty appreciation of valuable services rendered by Miss Elsworth in connection with the work of providing garments and surgical appliances to men on active service and in hospital, also in supplying food to prisoners of war during the great war 1914-1919.
Signed on behalf of the Committee.
Ernest Wood (Mayor Chairman and Treasurer)
Maud Hall, Edith M. Browns (Honorary Secretaries)
Thou shalt be served thyself by every sense. Of service which thou renderest.
E. B. Browning.
Sir Alfred James Munnings
Trooper in Full Marching Order (1918) by Sir Alfred James Munnings (1878 – 1959). Atkinson Art Gallery Collection. (Oil on Canvas)
This painting by Sir Alfred James Munnings depicts a Trooper from Lord Strathcona’s Horse, a Canadian cavalry regiment. Munnings served in eastern France with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in 1918.
As Munnings had lost his sight in one eye he was unable to fight in WW1. Instead he asked to be an Official War Artist to the Canadian Cavalry Brigade. He painted numerous scenes of horses in dangerous conditions near enemy lines. He became one of the most accomplished equine artists of the twentieth century.
Munnings was commissioned to paint a large canvas of the ‘Charge of Flowerdew’s Squadron’, the last major cavalry charge of the war. Lieutenant Flowerdew led Strathcona’s Horse against German machine gun positions. Though the battle was won, three-quarters of the Canadian troops were killed or injured.
You can see this painting displayed in our exhibition ‘The Triumph of Art‘ (until 12 December 2020). You can also view the exhibition online.
Share your stories
Archive photo of 611 Squadron with the Tally Board
The Atkinson are in the process of compiling an exhibition looking at Sefton during WW2, in particular, the involvement of the Polish airmen based at RAF Woodvale. The exhibition will open in June 2021. We are looking for any stories or objects you think may be relevant to the exhibition, please get in touch. Email info@theatkinson.co.uk
Read the story of the Wartime Tally Board returned to RAF Woodvale this year.