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.

Remembering 180629 Sapper Harry Ernest Wilkinson, Royal Engineers

Some months ago the Society was contacted by Harry Wilkinson’s granddaughter who wanted to know more about his war service. Little is know about it, except that ‘he fought both against and later with the Bulgarians’ and ended up in Constantinople. Happily, he returned home safely.

Continue reading “Remembering 180629 Sapper Harry Ernest Wilkinson, Royal Engineers”

Faces of Salonika : a group from 1917

Another eBay purchase! Unfortunately this photo has few details, other than a note that it was taken in Salonika in 1917.  The greeting on the back reads: Fondest love to Mary, Salonica. May 1st 1918, so this seems an appropriate time to publish it. It may have been taken at a hospital as it shows (seated) a captain and corporal of the RAMC. The man standing in the centre has the cap badge of the Worcestershire Regiment, so that would be the 11th Battalion (78th Brigade, 26th Division on the Doiran Front).

Continue reading “Faces of Salonika : a group from 1917”

Mule Lines : British military mules in the spotlight

I am pleased to announce the publication of a book which describes and honours the service of the military mule. It could be said that mules have had walk-, or trot-on roles in many volumes of military history, but I believe this is the first book in which the British military mule has taken centre stage without having to share the limelight with horses and camels! Continue reading “Mule Lines : British military mules in the spotlight”

Kiwis in Salonika

Having been taken by surprise by Anzac Day and with nothing appropriate prepared, I will simply share this link to a fascinating series of articles about the New Zealand contribution to the campaign in Macedonia:

I know I have some interesting material on Australians in the campaign, but that’s for another day!

New Stanley Spencer Exhibition in Cookham

A new exhibition at the Stanley Spencer Gallery in Cookham explores the often complex relationships he forged with the group of people who supported him and enabled his existence financially, emotionally and artistically, what drove them to collect his work and how he was not the distant figure some may believe him to be. Continue reading “New Stanley Spencer Exhibition in Cookham”

Remembering William George Arscott, 10/Devonshire

William George Arscott was remembered in two moving ceremonies on the centenary of his death on 29 January 1918, one in his home village of Drewsteignton, Devon, the other at the Sarigol Military Cemetery in northern Greece, where he is buried. Continue reading “Remembering William George Arscott, 10/Devonshire”