Perth: Model of Passchendaele battlefield gives new insight into the conflict.

Model shows the Passchendaele battlefield in intricate detail

A diorama of the one of the First World War’s most famous battles has gone on display at the home of The Black Watch.

The model graphically depicts the horrors of Passchendaele, where hundreds of Perthshire men were among almost 500,000 killed.

It has gone on display at The Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth where it will remain for a week.

The model was created by David Campbell and Neil Thomson for the recent Crieff Remembers exhibition, where it caused quite a stir.

Now transported to Balhousie Castle in sections, it will provide visitors with a stunning representation of the battle.

It shows an assault by the British army against a formidable German defensive position in exceptional detail, depicting the pockmarked, mud-filled landscape of the fields of Flanders where the landscape was pummelled by millions of artillery shells.

Also known as the 3rd Battle of Ypres, the Battle of Passchendaele was the major Allied campaign of 1917 fought between July 31 and November 10.

It is remembered for the huge loss of life, the muddy terrain and its indecisive outcome.

Torrential rain turned the churned earth into a quagmire, giving the struggle the evocative name “The Battle of the Mud”.

Going over the top was a death sentence for many young men as the conditions made movement almost impossible.

During 100 days of heavy fighting, in which 50 Scots battalions played their part, an estimated 245,000 allied soldiers and 215,000 German soldiers were killed, wounded or missing.

Hope Busák, curator at The Black Watch Castle and Museum, said she hoped visitors would take the opportunity to obtain a renewed appreciation of the conflict.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to display this remarkable artwork,” she said.

“It offers a physical representation of a section of the battlefield in incredible detail, giving visitors a unique perspective.”

Learning and access officer Charlie Trzeciak added: “This diorama gives a real sense of the sheer destructive scale of the Battle of Passchendaele.

“Also on display from The Black Watch Museum archive will be a selection of soldiers’ letters, all written during the First World War.

“The combination of the diorama and letters will give a unique insight into the experiences of those who fought on the front lines.”

The diorama will be on display until September 22.

This diorama gives a real sense of the sheer destructive scale of the battle... HOPE BUSÁK

The diorama that is now on display at The Black Watch museum was created by David Campbell and Neil Thomson for the Crieff Remembers exhibition.

Pictures: Dougie Nicolson.