Our War Stories

our war stories

    Our War Stories

Ditchling Commemorates the Centenary of the Start of the First World War

This collection is taken from the exhibition held in St Margaret’s Church in the autumn of 1914 and draws together stories contributed by people from our community. 

Family memories, letters, photographs, diaries and official documents tell of the experiences of soldiers, sailors, nurses and airmen and also of the families and loved ones they left behind.  Alongside the personal stories, information is included on Ditchling's artists, the Home Front and the men who are remembered on the village War Memorial.

Running through this diverse collection is a shared will to give everything to the cause. For many this meant the ultimate sacrifice of their lives, leaving behind grieving families and friends while those who survived were changed by the war and returned home to find their country too was changed.  This publication is a tribute to those who gave their lives and to a tragic but steadfast generation.   We hope it will allow the reader time to reflect on the stories told of a conflict that was hoped would would put an end to all wars.

A4 book: 84 pages, colour illustrations

Cost: £12.00 plus p & p

To buy your copy go to 'Publications and Tickets' on the top menu and follow the link to books.

Read some sample stories here:

Upshall Ellis head and shoulders 109 x 100         Barclay Kenneth and Allen cropped
 Ellis Frank Upshall        Kenneth and Allen Barclay