Events for June 16, 2012

Waltham Abbey, Essex.

Great War Weekend  (16-17 June)


Great War Weekend
The Royal Gunpowder Mills played a key role in the First World War. Over six thousand people were employed here producing cordite for the guns, as well as other products. Our annual Great War event remembers those days with a variety fascinating displays.



The life of the British 'Tommy' is portrayed by members of the 'Rifles' re-enactment group, while the soldiers of other armies, French, Russian, even Austro-Hungarian, are represented by the members of other societies.

You can see how they lived, handle weapons and equipment, and enjoy talks and demonstrations. Civilian life is also represented by various costumed characters who will be promenading on the site over the weekend. There is also the chance to find out about your own ancestors with historical experts from the Western Front Association.
(Note: there will be no cavalry or air displays this year.)

The "War Horse" film and play have been box office hits around the world - and now the WFA has got together with the National Army Museum to deliver a day conference which will explore the myths and realities of horses in the First World War.
The conference will be held at the National Army Museum on Saturday, 16 June 2012.
Have you seen the "War Horse" film or play?

• How close were they to the real experience of horses in the Great War?
  
• Where did all the horses come from?
  
• What was their main role?
  
• How useful were the cavalry?
  
• How were the horses treated?
  
• How was the film made?

Join the WFA at the National Army Museum in London on Saturday, 16 June 2012 to find out the answers to these questions.
Tickets
£15.00 Standard
£12.50 Concession
Tickets can be purchased from the NAM Museum shop 020 7881 2240 or at www.nam.ac.uk

Programme of Events

Morning Session
10:30 Welcome and Introduction
10:40 ‘The Procurement of Horses for the War' - Dr Graham Winton
11:45 ‘Ally Sloper's Cavalry - Horses and Transport' - Andy Robertshaw
12:40 Lunch
Afternoon Session
13:40 ‘Hoofprints in No-Man's Land' - David Kenyon
14:50 ‘The War Horses - The Welfare of Horses and their Fate after the War' - Simon Butler
15.45 Break
16:15 ‘The Making of War Horse the Movie' - Andy Robertshaw
17:10 Conclusion
17:20 Close
Read more and download the programme from the WFA's website.