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For the past few years, readers of the Barry Gem have enjoyed Dr Jonathan Hicks' articles on the role of Barrians in The Great Wars of the 20th Century, as well as his work during the restoration of the Hall of Remembrance, culminating in the "Barry an the Great War" exhibition in November 2007. I am grateful that he has allowed his work to be published here.
MEMORIES OF WARTIME SERVICE WANTEDDid you serve in the Armed Forces during the last century? If so, then local historian Dr Jonathan Hicks would like to hear from you. November 2008 Exhibition
The 'Barry at War' 2008 Exhibition will commemorate the role that Barrians played in the conflicts of the last century. Following on from last November's hugely successful exhibition on 'Barry and the Great War', Dr Hicks and his team of volunteers will be staging a much-expanded display of artefacts, memorabilia and photographs in the Main Hall of Barry Memorial Hall on Saturday, 22nd November 2008. 'So far, no fewer than 11 re-enactment groups have pledged their support for our worthy cause,' said Dr Hicks. 'They will be staging displays during the day covering the roles that Britain, America and Germany played in the First and Second World Wars. There will also be a display of military vehicles in the car park.' 'Members of the Western Front Association will be displaying items from the Great War and the Second World War from their own personal collections. Experts from the South Wales Militaria Society will be running a Militaria 'Antiques Roadshow' and members of the public are invited to bring along Militaria items to have them assessed and valued. There will be a display on the Island Farm Prisoner of War Camp, on the role that the Merchant Seamen of Barry played in the two World Wars and refreshments will be provided in our own version of a NAAFI Canteen run by the PTFA from St Cyres School.' Wartime MemoriesIn addition to all this Dr Hicks would like to receive wartime memories that could be displayed on the day. So if you served in the Second World War, Korea, Malaya, Suez, the Falklands, the Gulf War or any other conflict of the last century in any branch of service, please send your accounts or photographs to -
Dr J Hicks e-mail : ninian27@btinternet.com Each item will be returned. Dr Hicks would also like to hear from anyone who has information on the American troops stationed in Barry during WW2. 'I am aware of a growing interest in our work from ex-servicemen and women who all have stories to tell,' said Dr Hicks. 'I would therefore ask readers to send me their memories and photographs which, with their permission, can be displayed on the day for the thousands of anticipated visitors to share. Until such time as we have a museum of our own in Barry this is an important way of ensuring that Barry's history is not lost.'
Links to ArticlesBarry Memorials of the Great War
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