Extracted from the Society Newsletter of October 2014
In the weeks leading up to Commemoration of the outbreak of WW1, the Historical Society created a Walk of Remembrance by displaying memorial cards showing photos of the fallen of Irthlingborough in shops and windows along the High Street, on the railings around Parsons Green and on trees in Finedon Road leading to the War Memorial.
The culmination of Irthlingborough’s tribute to those men who gave their lives in WW1 took place on Saturday 2nd August.
The event was organised by the Town Council, Irthlingborough Scouts, the British Legion, Canon John Hall and the Historical Society.
The event began with a re-enactment of the parade which took place on 6th August 1914 when the first detachment of local men mustered at the Cross before marching off to the station. A large number of men and children, all suitably attired marched from the Rest Garden to the Cross lead by the Waterloo Drummers. A rousing speech from Cllr John Farrar, who was representing Cllr. Hazeldine of 1914 was delivered from the steps of the Cross. This was followed by the singing of God Save the King. Three loud cheers then rang out for the men as they marched towards the station, enthusiastically waved off by cheering nurses wives and sweethearts all dressed as women of the time.
On Parsons Green crosses were placed naming all of the 151 who never returned, the British Legion provided free refreshments. The Scouts erected tents from the 1914 era in which exhibitions were staged where photos of the Scouts who had served in the war, some of whom were never to return. The Historical Society also held a display of photos of the town as it was at the time. Refreshments were provided.
Songs from the period were lead by the St Peter’s Choir and poems by the war poets were read by the Rev. Paul Needle who later kept the crowd entertained with appropriate music and song and anecdotes as we took shelter under our umbrellas and in the tents during the heavy rain.
As everyone joined in the hymn “O Valiant Heart” the Rector read the roll call of all of the fallen, many of whom were still in their teens This was followed by a minutes silence to reflect on the men and the families who had lost their loved ones. A very moving moment.
Although the event was cut short due to the weather, many stood in the rain to listen to the Last Post beautifully played by Fred Harris, from the top of St Peter’s Church Tower, which brought things to a close.
All in all, Irthlingborough provided a fitting tribute to those brave soldiers from the town and proved once again
AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN, AND IN THE MORNING,
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
Thank You
We would like to say a big Thank You to the shopkeepers and homeowners who, as part of our WW1 Commemoration, displayed photos on a Walk of Remembrance of those soldiers who never returned. Our thanks also to everyone who took part whether organising, marching or just by being there.
Many positive comments were made to the Historical Society regarding the Walk which was very pleasing to us.
Earlier in the week a couple visited the town from Northampton, the lady was thrilled and very touched to see a photo of her Great Uncle displayed on the railings of Parson Green.
They came to join us on Saturday and placed a cross on Parsons Green in his memory.
Compiled by Dorothy Brawn for Irthlingborough Historical Society