MILITARY SPEAKERS

A number of Barry War Museum Volunteers are available to give presentations on different aspects of both World Wars to groups, societies and organisations .

Please contact each individual for further information.
 JACQUELINE (JAYE) SWIFT - THE HISTORY OF THE BEVIN BOYS

In September 1943, manpower in the coal mining industry was giving cause for concern and appeals were broadcast for 50,000 men and boys to work in the coal mines. School leavers were in particular targeted and made aware of the ongoing dire situation.

The response to the appeals was inadequate, and on 2 December 1943 the Rt. Hon. Ernest Bevin, Minister of Labour and National Service, made a statement in the House of commons that was to change the lives of many thousands of young men; on becoming available for call up, they would be selected by ballot and thus conscripted into the coal mining industry as a compulsory alternative to service in the Armed Forces.  

They were not allowed to say no.

Contact details: 
Tel: 01446 794920   Mobile:  07889036436

ROSEMARY CHALONER – WW1 PRESENTATIONS - AS AT 2020

1. “ANGELS IN THE LINE OF FIRE”
 Explores the development of the Nursing Services in WW1 on the Western Front; at Gallipoli; on Hospital Ships and on the Home Front. How it evolved during the Crimean War from Florence Nightingale to Vera Brittain, one of many young women who volunteered for duty at home and in theatres of war. 45 - 55 MINUTES

2. “WOMEN WAR ARTISTS”
This presentation shows how Edwardian Women artists were commissioned during WW1. These were talented and respected Artists prior to the war and yet they struggled for recognition during and after the war. This is a fascinating study of the period, with a colourful presentation of their paintings shown during the talk. 45 - 55 MINUTES

3. “LOVE AND BETRAYAL BEHIND ENEMY LINES”
In 1914, as the German Army swept through Belgium and Northern France, four British “Tommies”, who were separated from their Regiments, were given shelter and hidden by the villagers of a small community in Normandy. This extraordinary and courageous act would have consequences that would resonate throughout the area for many years to come; a true story of love and hope. 45 - 55 MINUTES

4. “MADE IN THE TRENCHES”
The humour of Bruce Bairnsfather/ Wipers Times/ Staniforth Cartoons. First World War is known for loss of life and conditions on the Western Front, not for humour, cartoons and Concert Parties. Troops morale was raised by these cartoons and entertainment which became a vital part of the fighting soldiers war in the trenches. The talk looks at the impact of cartoons and magazines of the day. 45 – 55 MINUTES

5. “ONLY AN OFFICER, ONLY A CHAP” 
In 1914 Public School Boys rushed to enlist as Junior Officers at the beginning of WW1. By 1915 their losses were so great, “Rankers”, or soldiers from the trenches and Grammar Schools were trained in Officer Training Battalions before being promoted as 2nd Lieutenants. We look at how these young men served “King and Country” and how they adjusted when they were demobbed in 1919. 45 - 55 MINUTES

6. “BILLY BUTLIN AND THE GREAT WAR"
 little known experiences of the “Holiday Camp King’s” service as a stretcher bearer on the Western Front, with   
  the Canadian Expeditionary Force, in First World War. 35/40 MINUTES

7. JOHN McCRAE – HIS LIFE ON THE WESTERN FRONT.
His work as a medical officer   with the Canadian Expeditionary Force at Essex Farm near Ypres, in April 1915  
 35/40 MINUTES

SHORTER VERSIONS OF ITEMS 6 & 7 CAN BE LINKED TOGETHER TO MAKE ONE PRESENTATION OF 50/55 MINUTES.

Contact details: 
Tel: 02920236022 - Mobile: 07811975409

GLENN BOOKER

The American Presence in South Wales in WW2

GI Brides from South Wales

VE Day 1945: London, Cardiff and Barry

Three American ships in Barry Docks

Songs that Helped Win the War
(Sing-a-long included)

Contact details:
Tel:  01446 741886   Mobile: 07443870136

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