Sally’s Blog: Remembering Uncle Hubert
Remembering Uncle Hubert.
Early in my childhood, I noticed a framed photograph in my father’s office at the scissor factory on Rockingham Street in Sheffield (my Grandfather was usually there too). The photograph was sepia-toned and showcased my Great Uncle Hubert, Grandpa’s brother, in his World War One army uniform, just before he left to fight.
I never knew Uncle Hubert, but his presence on the office wall has been a constant in my memory and over the years I’ve grown quite attached to him. Unfortunately, he passed away shortly after reaching Belgium, succumbing to wounds on The Somme on October 11, 1916, only three weeks after his arrival at just 23 years old. His name remains inscribed on the war memorial in Fulwood, Sheffield, England.
The photograph was taken by Elliot & Fry, using a camera that made large, glass plate negatives. These First World War glass negatives are now kept in the National Portrait Gallery in London.
Second Lieutenant Hubert Whiteley.
Elliott & Fry Artists – Photographers 1863-1962
Remembrance Day.
Also in this little story of Remembrance, there is below a photograph of the ceramic poppy we bought, dedicated to Hubert, in the exhibition of 888,246 unique ceramic poppies created by Paul Cummins which were displayed surrounding The Tower of London; a poppy for every fallen soldier.
An extraordinary creation which raised money for six charities which support wounded and disabled service-men and women and their families. Some of their injuries are life changing.
Paul Cummins Poppies at The Tower of London
Read more of Sally’s blogs here.
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