HERE at the Redditch Standard we’re proud our newspaper and website are the best read in the borough and beyond and we’re constantly striving to make sure our readers and advertisers get the best possible service.
However a phone call from Switzerland showed our coverage extends way over our UK borders.
The call in question was received by local historian Philip Jarvis.
Philip is putting on a special exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Somme, but also featuring the major naval engagement of the First World War, the Battle of Jutland, and the 75th anniversary of the sinking of HMS Hood by the German battleship Bismarck.
“The call came out of the blue, a chap at first asking about the Hood and then talking about the Battle of Jutland, and offering me an animated film of it,” said Philip.
“I said yes, and then I started to take down his email address and when he said his name was ‘Jellicoe’ – the name of the British commander at Jutland – I thought something was amiss, but he said no, his name was Nicholas Jellicoe, grandson of Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, that he lived in Switzerland and had come across our exhibition in an article on the Redditch Standard’s website.
“I was thunderstruck – and the film is tremendous and really gets to the heart of the battle, including the mistakes we made.”
The exhibition is at St Philip’s Church, Webheath from Saturday, November 12 to November 19 from 10.30am with a film screening of the movie ‘The Battle of the Somme’ on November 17 at 7.30pm. A prayer/vigil service will be held at 4pm on November 18.
The Battle of Jutland – Animation will take place throughout the week.
