Author: Andy Hutt

Andy's interest in the campaign comes from his grandfather, Arthur, who served in Salonika as a sapper with the Royal Engineers from 1916-1918. Opinions expressed in these posts are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Society.

Introducing Desperate Frankie

As we enter September we come to the centenary of the last month of hostilities for the BSF. September 1918 saw the final allied offensive – which for the British was the Second Battle of Doiran – which brought about the Bulgarian armistice at the end of the month. Continue reading “Introducing Desperate Frankie”

Did your relative fight at the Battle of Kosturino in 1915?

Factual television production company ‘Storyvault Films’ is currently producing a documentary on the Salonika campaign, in particular the Battle of Kosturino in 1915. They’d like to hear from friends and relatives of those who served, in particular anyone connected to the 10th (Irish) Division. Please feel free to contact John at john.shirley@storyvault.tv for more information about the project. Thank you.

Player's Cigarettes card of the 'battle insignia' of 10th (Irish) Division. This was a narrow green stripe.

 

Celebrating Norfolk Day : a Salonika connection

Having lived in Norfolk for just 28 years I am still an ‘incomer’ but, even so, I would like to celebrate the very first ‘Norfolk Day’ of my adopted county. The challenge, then, is to find a Norfolk connection although this is by no means obvious as you won’t find the Norfolk Regiment – a fine county regiment – in the BSF’s order of battle. Continue reading “Celebrating Norfolk Day : a Salonika connection”

Gustav Holst in Salonika : exhibition now on!

It is nearly 100 years since composer Gustav Holst went to Salonika to work as a musical organiser and educator with the YMCA. It is very appropriate, then, that his sojourn with the British Salonika Force should  be commemorated by the Holst Birthplace Museum with a special exhibition. Continue reading “Gustav Holst in Salonika : exhibition now on!”

First Night of the Proms : A Salonika Special!

Whilst the First World War Centenary theme of Friday night’s opening concert of the BBC Proms season isn’t in doubt, you may look in vain for any explicit acknowledgement of the Salonika connection. So you read it here first! Continue reading “First Night of the Proms : A Salonika Special!”

SALONIKA CAMPAIGN SOCIETY BATTLEFIELD TOUR : 28 September – 7 October 2018

The SCS Tour Team announces details of the Society’s September 2018 ‘Victory’ battlefield tour. This Centenary tour includes visits to key sites associated with British Salonika Force operations during 1918 as well as attendance at official ceremonies of commemoration in Greece.

Continue reading “SALONIKA CAMPAIGN SOCIETY BATTLEFIELD TOUR : 28 September – 7 October 2018”

How to fly and preserve a First World War combat veteran aeroplane : SE5a

This is a fascinating article about preserving and flying a Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a. This type of aircraft was flown by the RFC (and then the RAF) in Macedonia from about November 1917 onward. Continue reading “How to fly and preserve a First World War combat veteran aeroplane : SE5a”