‘TOMMY Alcester’ will be visiting locations throughout Alcester to remind all local residents of the sacrifices made by their forefathers and those they left behind.
Tommy Atkins (often just Tommy) is slang for a common soldier in the British Army.
It was certainly well established during the 19th Century but is particularly associated with World War I.
Tommy was partly inspired by a photograph taken in WWI by Horace Nicholls (1867-1941).
In 1917, Horace was appointed as the Home Front Official Photographer and subsequently the Imperial War Museum official photographer.
He specialised in capturing the human impact of war and lost his eldest son on the Western Front in 1917.
Tommy Alcester aims to raise funds to Commemorate, Educate and Heal:
Commemorate those who died in the First World War through installations of silhouettes wherever there is a Roll of Honour.
Educate all generations, particularly today’s younger generation, to understand what led to the deaths of 888,246 British and Commonwealth service personnel.
Heal today’s veterans who are suffering from the mental and physical wounds of their service.
Mike Gittus, chairman of Alcester Royal British Legion said: “We are proud to be associated with this wonderful organisation in this special year of Remembrance.”
For more information, visit www.therebutnotthere.org.uk/
