A MURAL is being painted in Hereford’s High Town to remind shoppers of the efforts of those who served their country – and their county – a century ago.
The Herefordshire Regiment suffered heavy losses when 1,100 soldiers foughtat Gallipoli in the First World War.
Maxine Williams’ main painting on the hoardings covering the fire-damaged River Island building depicts the regiment landing at Suvla Bay on August 9, 1915.
By the time the regiment returned home, they had lost 74 men in action.
Andy Taylor, from the Herefordshire Regiment Museum, said conditions were horrific in the “badly conceived” campaign.
Ms Williams, from Hereford College of Arts, is painting the moment that county volunteers signed up and the time the group sailed to the then Ottoman Empire.
Mr Taylor said he hopes the artwork will concentrate people’s minds on the sacrifices made.
He said he hopes a new generation will become familiar with the county’s links to Gallipoli.
Ms Williams is working with the First World War Commemoration Committee, which was set up by the Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, to devise events to tie in with national remembrance events.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel