SHAMEFUL SNUB TO OUR WAR DEAD
Councils ignore plea to honour WW1 heroes
BRITAIN’S failure to honour its First World War dead caused anger last night.
Lord Dannatt, former head of the Army, revealed that only 160 out of 433 councils are backing a project marking the centenary of the end of the war.
The remainder have either refused or not even bothered replying to his letter. The snub came after Lord Dannatt wrote to council chiefs “imploring” them to get behind the project, There But Not There.
This seeks to install 6ft aluminium silhouettes of soldiers across the country as a reminder of the sacrifice of more than 800,000 UK and Empire troops. The £750 “Tommies” have been bought
and installed around the world, including New York, San Francisco, Ottawa, Toronto and Gibraltar.
The project has raised nearly £3million for Armed Forces charities helping veterans of modern conflicts – a cause backed by the Daily Express’s Respect Our War Heroes crusade.
Lord Dannatt said many towns and cities lost huge numbers of men who enlisted to serve together in the socalled Pals Battalions. “This is why it is crucial that our council leaders actively engage in commemorative activity,” he said.
Rowley Gregg, director of There But Not There, said: “While we are delighted that 160 councils have supported the campaign so far, that only represents 37 per cent of councils in the UK. When city authorities all over the world are getting on board but our own local councils aren’t, you have to wonder why. It is particularly frustrating that many local councils have yet to acknowledge Lord Dannatt’s letter and we urge the remaining 63 per cent to get involved in what is a hugely important campaign.”
Mr Gregg, 34, who won the Military Cross in Afghanistan in 2009, added: “It is clear from the groundswell of support shown by the public that the lack of support shown by local councils is at odds with public sentiment.”
Individuals can buy a 10-inch high perspex model Tommy for £29.99.
Mr Gregg said: “We have been overwhelmed by the level of support from individuals who have dug deep to buy their own 10-inch Tommy. We have also seen huge support from businesses and local community groups but many local authorities have refused to host Tommy installations.”
More than 1,000 of the life-size models have been sold around the world. In the UK they have appeared at the Tower of London, the Giant’s Causeway, the National Coal Museum at Blaenavon in South Wales, and the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.
They have also appeared in Edinburgh on the pitch at Hearts FC which lost seven players in the war.
Military historian Jon Cooksey, editor of the Western Front Association journal Stand To!, said: “If there is anything that sparks interest in this war, especially among the younger generation, it has to be a good thing.
“I realise there are lots of pressures on councils and demands on the public purse but I think they should think back to the sacrifices the country made then.
“The whole of the British Isles took part in this war. Councils have a duty
to remember this.” A Western Front Association spokesman said: “This is an excellent initiative and one that deserves maximum support.
“This important centenary period leading up to the Armistice in November 1918 is the last chance the country has to fully remember what is probably the most important event of the 20th century.” Alex Cox, of genealogy website findmypast.com, which has helped many families trace ancestors who fought in the war, said: “Councils should honour the bravery of their citizens and get behind this campaign.
“Every city, town and village sent men and often women to the First World War and, as the war memorials up and down the land testify, hundreds of thousands of them paid the supreme price.
“This campaign is an excellent way of reminding the public of the terrible price that was paid to secure the way of life we now enjoy.”
The Local Government Association defended its members, saying they were commemorating the centenary in different ways.
A spokesman said: “Councils are leading efforts to enable communities to commemorate the centenary of World War One and pay tribute to those who gave their lives.
“This is being done in a number of ways, including offering grants to community groups and co-ordinating parades.
“Many councils will also be hosting a beacon of light as part of the Battle’s Over national tribute to mark this solemn occasion.”