Soldier wounded in conflict supports art tribute

A SOLDIER who lost an eye during the conflict in Afghanistan has paid tribute to heroes from the Great War who also lost their sight as he viewed a new art exhibition.

Lance corporal David Timmins admired the lithographic prints featured in artist Frank Brangwyn’s World War I: Art in Aid of Blind Soldiers and Sailors at Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow.

The prints illustrate the experience of a soldier in the First World War who was blinded on the battlefield, admitted to hospital and then supported to learn a new trade.

The lithographs were created by artist Frank Brangwyn in 1915.

But, although he was not an official war artist and was too old to serve, he wished to contribute to Britain’s war effort.

L/cpl Timmins, who lost his eye in an explosion in Afghanistan during operation Panther Claw in 2009, says it is important to remember the sacrifices of those who came before him.

He said: “As all veterans do, I think it’s important to remember the sacrifices made by our forebears in combat.

“This exhibition highlights the challenges faced by those soldiers who lost their sight on First World War battlefields, which I can relate to following my own recovery journey.”

Prior to his own injuries, L/ Cpl Timmins helped save a wounded colleague and was awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal for acts of bravery.

His award citation states: “His actions were an inspiration in the darkest of moments.”

Scottish War Blinded has assisted Glasgow Museums in making the new display.

Pictures: Colin Mearns „ Lance Corporal David Timmins with a lithographic print by Frank Brangwyn and featuring in the exhibition at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery.

„ L/cpl David Timmins serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, where he lost his eye in an explosion during operation Panther Claw in 2009.

„ Dr Jo Meacock, curator of British Art at Glasgow Museums, with The Shell.

„ Sir Frank William Brangwyn who created the series of lithograths.