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Guernsey’s military history is being brought to life and out of the history books with support from Ravenscroft.
The Guernsey Military History Company has received a £5,000 donation from stockbroking and investment management company Ravenscroft, in support of its living history work.
The group is made up of volunteers who work in schools and host events to show what the past looked like – and even smelt like - through period clothing, equipment and drill. Members of the company include serving and retired members of the UK armed forces.
Russell Doherty, who founded the Guernsey Military History Company, said the donation from Ravenscroft would, for example, allow it to purchase historically accurate clothing and insignia as worn by local soldiers, plus maintain existing uniforms, equipment and complete ongoing restoration of period exhibits.
‘We recreate life as it was for Guernsey-based soldiers from the 1860s to 1945, from the time of the Red Tunics, through World War One to the Occupation and the Liberation of Guernsey in World War Two. Rather than young people and adults looking at history through dusty cabinets, we take it on the road,’ said Mr Doherty.
‘As a non-profit organisation, Ravencroft’s support is greatly appreciated. It will help support our annual event at the Viaer Marchi. This year, we’re planning to recreate a tented encampment of the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry as it may have appeared in 1917 complete with period weapons, equipment and even a working field kitchen.’
Mr Doherty added: ‘People will see, smell and even taste what life was like for local soldiers, who left 100 years ago this year to fight on the Western Front. They will be able to handle original and reproduction equipment under supervision and ask questions of people with a vast range of knowledge on the period.’
Ravenscroft’s support for the Guernsey Military History Company comes after it donated £5,000 to the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Charitable Trust. The trust aims to install memorials in Guernsey and France to the local men who served in the unit’s ranks.
‘Bringing history to life is a powerful way to tell the stories of islanders who have given so much. The Guernsey Military History Company’s work is invaluable because it brings those stories out of the history books and makes them into things that you can see, touch and smell,’ said Ravenscroft group chief executive Jon Ravenscroft.
‘Ravenscroft is humbled to be able to play a small part in assisting pay tribute to those islanders by helping this amazing group.’
