Art of battle lives on
The forgotten stories behind two gigantic artworks depicting the bravery of Staffordshire men in the First World War can be told again thanks to new research. reports
THE stunning giant murals on these pages chronicle the bravery of the South Staffords’ Territorial Force battalions on the Western Front.
Not many know of the rich history behind the breathtaking tableaux, which are on display at Walsall Town Hall.
Frankly, existence.
Great War historian Richard Pursehouse, from Cannock, Staffordshire, only became aware of the important artwork while scouring records for details about a 1920 statue unveiling ceremony in Walsall.
He was invited by Walsall Leather Museum’s Catherine Lister to view the two panels and, with the help of Wolverhampton Western Front Association, he has pieced together the story behind them.
The Walsall Observer makes reference to them in the paper’s January 31, 1920, issue.
The article explains how Walsall councillor Joseph Leckie commissioned artist Francis Owen Salisbury to paint two panels, highlighting major action the territorial force, known as The Terriers, were involved in.
The piece’s “source” was General Lord Rawlinson, who had commanded the 5th Army, which included the Midlands 46th division.
The illustrations show the attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt by the 1/5 and 1/6 South Staffords during the battle of Loos on October 13, 1915 – and the crossing of the St Quentin not many know of their Canal at Bellinglise on September 28, 1918.
“The artwork is stunning,” says Richard. “When we entered the theatre at Walsall Town Hall, I let out a ‘Wow!’ as I took in the grandeur of the large, centrally situated organ, which has 3,300 pipes.
“Catherine explained that the organ, a memorial to Queen Victoria, cost nearly £2,500 in 1908 – that would be more than £200,000 today – and was built by Walsall firm Nicholson and Lord.
“Asked if it was still used, Catherine confirmed it was.
“She said that in the 1970s local bands had played in the hall. My imagination ran wild as I thought what the band members of Slade, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath must have thought of such a grandiose backdrop and imposing surroundings.
“I asked, ‘Where are the paintings?’ A sardonic smile from Catherine and a sweeping outstretched arm gave me the answer.
“‘What do you think those are either side of the organ?’, she asked.
“The two panels were erected on Wednesday, February 17, 1920, although the official unveiling was carried out by General Lord Rawlinson, who described them as “wonderfully realistic of the epic deeds which the local Territorials performed.” As well as ticket-holding guests, the Town Hall was filled with an additional 400 “scholars” watch to the unveilings. In a follow-up article, the Observer interviewed artist Francis Owen Salisbury who explained what he’d painted.
“This subject depicts the South Staffords making an early-morning attack,” he said of the mural on the left of the organ.
“In the dawn, bright shafts of light, slightly tinged with golden pink, herald through the mist the approaching day. And what a day!
“A day of conflict, of conquest and of death. The chilly, damp mists and the cold snow give one the idea of the hardships our men went through during those strenuous winters of 1915, 1916, 1917. During the darkness, and under cover of night, the men have marched tirelessly to this foremost position.
“Before the moment for the men to advance, they take a short rest and refreshment in the muddy and waterlogged trenches.
“Standing at the halt, the men give the final touches to their accoutrement, fix bayonets, and at attention in the uncertain light before the storm bursts, await their given signal.
“The order is passed along the line, and the gallant men, led by their officers, dashed valiantly over the top.
“Already, the tireless and suspicious enemy finds a range, and the shrapnel tells its tale in some of our brave fellows already making the supreme sacrifice.”
Company Sergeant Major Edward Martin, of 1/5th South Staffords, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bringing in wounded at Loos.
The 23-year-old, from Cannock and a member of the Hednesford Territorials, was shot in the face, left shoulder and arm during the attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt.
Captain Howard Vivian Mander, of the 1/6th South Staffords, was mentioned in dispatches on November 30, 1915, for his leadership at Loos.
Captain Mander, a member of Wolverhampton’s Mander paint and ink empire, would go on to receive the Military Cross in the 1916 New Year’s Honours.