Corfe Castle at sunrise
One of the biggest WW1 commemorative displays in the UK this year has received overwhelming support from visitors to the Great Dorset Steam Fair 2014. Despite a muddy start, an army of visitors turned up over the course of the five-day event to take in the sights, smells and unique atmosphere of The National Heritage Show with its dedicated WW1 Section.
Managing Director Martin Oliver said: “I would personally like to express my gratitude to our visitors, exhibitors and staff for their support because it’s the people who make this event so special. We know it was a tough start for everyone but you literally stuck with us and once again we have had a successful show. The WW1 Display, marking 100 years since the outbreak of the Great War, was the most exciting and moving section I have ever worked on and many visitors have told us it was absolutely breathtaking – I couldn’t agree more!”
Hundreds of visitors attended a remembrance service commemorating the centenary of the First World War, which was held on Friday afternoon in the Western Front area of the WW1 Display at the Great Dorset Steam Fair. The memorial honoured the servicemen and civilians who lost their lives in the First World War with hymns, readings and blessings, finishing with the British National Anthem.
The WW1 Display was divided into three main areas – the “Western Front,” the “Home Front” and an Exhibition marquee shared with the National Traction Engine Trust, which is celebrating its 60th Anniversary.
Exhibits included a Horse Remount Depot, The Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment Living History Group, The LMS-Patriot Project known as “The Unknown Warrior,” steam engines, tractors, field guns, a tank, heavy artillery, cars, motorcycles, lorries, trucks, agricultural demonstrations and much more – all with unique WW1 stories to tell. Dr. Busker also performed some of the popular songs and tunes of the Great War on the piano.
